Recently, a report from tech market analysis firm Canalys revealed that during the second quarter of 2024, approximately 8.8 million AI-capable PCs were shipped globally, with Apple's Mac computers capturing 60% of that market.
This data indicates that Apple remains a leader in the market for AI-capable PCs. Additionally, in the market for PCs priced above $800, the shipment of AI-capable PCs increased from 7% in the first quarter of 2024 to 14% in the second quarter. Is this due to consumers' growing interest in computers with AI processing capabilities, or is AI capability gradually becoming a standard feature for PCs?
What is an "AI-capable PC"? According to Canalys, an AI-capable PC refers to a desktop or laptop equipped with a dedicated chipset or module capable of handling local AI workloads. Examples include AMD's XDNA, Apple's Neural Engine, Intel's AI Boost, and Qualcomm's Hexagon, all of which are typical specialized chips.
Here, many might question whether "AI capability" is merely a marketing gimmick. This issue has been controversial. Some argue that AI workloads are not new, only the type of workloads has changed; others point out that modern AI workloads exceed the processing capabilities of traditional CPUs and GPUs and require specialized neural processing units (NPUs) to support. Therefore, while there is marketing involved, consumer demands are also evolving with technological advancements.
It's worth noting that since Apple began using the M-series chips in November 2020, its products have come with a Neural Engine, essentially giving consumers AI capabilities by default when they purchase a Mac. For Windows systems using x86 processors, although AI-supported features are gradually increasing, they are mostly limited to high-end products.
So, what accounts for the increase in shipments from the first quarter to the second quarter? Is it a change in market demand, or is it because more chips are integrating NPUs? In fact, both are factors. When companies upgrade old hardware, they want to purchase devices that can handle future applications, hence the increased focus on AI capabilities. And as more systems with NPUs enter the market above $800, this also drives the普及 of AI capabilities.
At the same time, Microsoft plays a significant role in this upgrade cycle. With the introduction of its Copilot AI chatbot, Microsoft is also pushing for the wider adoption of AI technology, making the application of NPUs more rapid. As AI workloads become increasingly prevalent, PCs equipped with NPUs will become the norm in the future, meaning we might see more AI capabilities implemented in various devices.
Key points:
🖥️ Apple's Mac computers hold a 60% share in the AI-capable PC market, maintaining a leading position.
📈 The shipment of high-end AI-capable PCs in the Windows market increased from 7% to 14%.
🤖 With technological development and Microsoft's push, NPUs will become standard in PCs.