Gartner Forecasts Strong Growth for AI PCs, Despite Near-Term Market Challenges

Brickinfo News Agency – According to a new forecast from Gartner, AI PCs are set to make up a significant portion of the global personal computer market by the end of 2025. The research firm projects that AI PCs will account for 31% of the total market, with worldwide shipments expected to reach 77.8 million units. However, Gartner notes that adoption in 2025 has been slowed by factors such as tariffs and market uncertainty, leading to a pause in some PC buying.

The report indicates a rapid increase in AI PC adoption over the coming years. Gartner analysts forecast that AI PC shipments will total 143 million units in 2026, representing 55% of the entire PC market. The firm also predicts that by 2029, AI-enabled PCs will become the standard for the industry.

Ranjit Atwal, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, commented on the current landscape, stating, “AI PCs are reshaping the market, but their adoption in 2025 is slowing because of tariffs and pauses in PC buying caused by market uncertainty. Nevertheless, users will invest in AI PCs to ensure they are prepared for the growing integration of AI at the edge.”

The research highlights a distinction in demand between different user groups. For businesses, there is a clear preference for x86 on Windows, which is expected to comprise 71% of the AI business laptop market in 2025. In contrast, Arm-based laptops are projected to gain a larger share in the consumer market as compatibility challenges are resolved. This shift in hardware is also influencing software vendors, with Gartner expecting that by the end of 2026, 40% of software vendors will prioritize investments in AI capabilities that run directly on PCs, a significant increase from just 2% in 2024.

The growing use of Small Language Models (SLMs) is a key trend enabling this on-device processing. These SLMs allow for faster response times, lower energy consumption, and reduced reliance on cloud services. By running AI directly on the device, SLMs also help maintain the security of user and business data.

Looking ahead, Atwal emphasizes that for PC vendors to capitalize on this growth, they must focus on delivering more than just hardware. “The future of AI PCs is in customization,” he said. “It lets users configure their devices with the apps, features and functions they want. The more users interact with a vendor’s AI PC, the better the vendor understands them, allowing for ongoing improvements and stronger brand loyalty.”