According to new data from Canalys, AI-capable computers represented 14% of all PCs shipped in the second quarter of 2024—and the stage is set for a significant ramp-up in device availability and adoption in the second half of the year.

The global technology market analysis firm found that 8.8 million AI-capable PCs were shipped to end-users in Q2 2024. An AI-capable PC is defined as a desktop or notebook with a dedicated chipset or block to run on-device workloads. Apple’s Neural Engine, AMD’s XDNA, and Intel’s AI Boost are all prominent examples of such chipsets.

With its entire Mac portfolio incorporating M-series chips with the Neural Engine, Apple boasts the highest AI-capable PC shipments and share of the portfolio currently. When it comes to the Windows space specifically, Lenovo took a 6% share of AI-capable Windows PC shipments in Q2, while HP had around 8%, and Dell fell just below 7%.

Speaking on the developments within Q2, and how such progress will help to propel AI PC availability and adoption moving forward, Ishan Dutt, principal analyst at Canalys, said: “The second quarter of 2024 added significant momentum to the expansion of AI-capable PCs.

“June saw the launch of Copilot+ PCs incorporating Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series of chips, based on Arm architecture. While shipment volumes in the quarter were relatively small due to the limited weeks and geographical coverage of availability, the broad commitment of Windows OEMs to adopt these products into their portfolios bodes well for the category’s outlook.

“In the x86 space, Intel ramped up its delivery of Core Ultra chipsets, reporting strong sequential performance for its AI PC products, while AMD announced its Ryzen AI 300 series of notebook processors in June, with product releases starting in mid-July.”

“With a strong foundation now set, AI-capable PC shipments are poised to gain further traction in the second half of 2024,” added Dutt.

“The market performance of AI-capable PCs has largely aligned with expectations and the industry remains on track to ship around 44 million units in 2024 and 103 million units in 2025, according to Canalys forecasts.”

Recommended reading

• New Cohort Joins UK Gov’s Incubator for Semiconductor Chip Startups
• UK to Spend £100M on Chip Procurement Amid AI Computing Race
• Gartner: Everyday AI Use Is 2 Years From Mainstream Adoption

Interestingly, Canalys’ data and analysis comes around half a year after Gartner found that the stagnating PC market as a whole was beginning to show signs of life after a significant period of downturn.

The consulting firm discovered that worldwide shipments of personal computers—regardless of AI capabilities—rose in Q4 of 2023, marking the first time that quarterly shipments increased after eight straight quarters of decline.