Worldwide shipments of personal computers rose in Q4 of 2023, marking the first time that quarterly shipments have increased after eight straight quarters of decline, according to preliminary results from Gartner.

The technology research and consulting company noted that global shipments of PCs—which include desktops and laptops that are equipped with Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS—totalled 63.3 million units in Q4 2023. This represents a 0.3% increase when compared to the same time the previous year.

However, for the year overall, PC shipments reached 241.8 million units—a 14.8% decrease from 2022. This also marks the first time that shipment volume has dipped below 250 million since 2006, when 230 million units were sold.

Speaking on these fluctuations and what could happen in 2024, Mikako Kitagawa, director analyst at Gartner, noted: “The PC market has hit the bottom of its decline after significant adjustment. Inventory was normalised in the fourth quarter of 2023, which had been an issue plaguing the industry for two years.

“This subtle growth suggests that demand and supply are finally balanced. However, this situation will likely change due to the anticipated component price hike 2024, as well as geopolitical and economic uncertainties.”

“Through these challenges, all top six vendors maintained their position without notable share gains or losses. With this in mind, Gartner projects that the PC market will return to annual growth in 2024.”

In Q4 of 2023, shipments of Acer PCs rose by more than 11%, while for Apple the number was 7.2%, HP Inc. 5.6%, and Lenovo 3.2%. ASUS PC shipments fell by 9.4%, Dell PC shipments by 8.3%, and shipments of PCs from other vendors by 5.6%.

In particular, Lenovo marked its first year-over-year growth in worldwide PC shipments since the third quarter of 2021, registering 3.2% growth. Other vendors had mixed results however, with Dell registering its seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year shipment decline.

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In terms of regional differences in Q4, EMEA and North America recorded year-over-year growth, thereby leading the worldwide growth. The Asia Pacific religion however was still in decline in the fourth quarter of 2023.

“The EMEA market is reflective of the overall market, with inventory levels finally under control,” said Kitagawa. “However, this could change if demand becomes weak, and the channel would be wary of adding new stock, especially as higher interest rates means holding inventory now costs much more for the channel.”