AI-capable PC shipments reached 13.3 million units in the third quarter of this year, accounting for 20% of all PC shipments during Q3, new data from Canalys has highlighted.

AI-capable PCs are defined as desktops and notebooks that include a chipset or block for dedicated AI workloads, such as a neural processing unit (NPU).

The ramp-up in availability of such devices has led to sequential growth of 49% for this new type of PC, with Windows devices accounting for the majority of AI-capable PC shipments for the first time, capturing a 53% share.

Total Windows AI-capable PC shipments rose 93% sequentially, accounting for 12% of all Windows PCs shipped in Q3.

Speaking on the data overall, Ishan Dutt, principal analyst at Canalys, said: “Progress along AI-capable PC roadmaps maintained a strong pace in Q3 2024.

“Copilot+ PCs equipped with Snapdragon X series chips enjoyed their first full quarter of availability while AMD brought Ryzen AI 300 products to the market and Intel officially launched its Lunar Lake series.

“However, both x86 chipset vendors are still awaiting Copilot+ PC support for their offerings from Microsoft which is expected to arrive this month.”

The principal analyst also mentioned how although there’s clear positive momentum, work is still required to assure channel partners and end customers alike of the inherent AI-capable PC benefits.

“This is especially true for more premium offerings such as Copilot+ PCs, which Microsoft requires to have at least 40 NPU TOPS alongside other hardware specifications,” Dutt added.

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Canalys’ latest data comes just months after the research firm shared that AI-capable computers represented 14% of all PCs shipped in Q2 2024—and when it was suggested that AI PCs would see a boom moving forward.

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

“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.”