The AI-powered Windows PC segment continues to trend upwards with numerous vendors ramping up shipments in recent quarters. Snapdragon X and Intel’s Lunar Lake processors with Copilot+ branding are paving the way for those devices. None of this is nearly the biggest challenge, though — which continues to be that Apple M-series Macs remain way ahead.
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Windows Takes the Lead in AI Laptops: Captures 53% Market Share in Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, AI PC shipments crossed the threshold of more than 13 million units globally, achieving a channel share ranging from approximately about 20% in Q3, according to preliminary estimates from Canalys. Brands such as Lenovo, Asus, and HP may have had an even stronger promotional period during the quarter because Apple did not launch any new Macs until October. Its effect will be more apparent in Q4 2024 since Apple is also selling older M2 and M3 MacBook Air models with 16GB RAM for the same prices as Apple’s new M4-powered MacBook Pro models.
On the other hand, premium Windows AI laptops generally cost more than ₹1.10 lakh, and that’s a hard sell in markets like India where the average laptop price remains at around ₹50,000. One of the biggest challenges for AI PC buyers is simply a lack of AI applications, particularly at this point in time when many people are likely to be investing in a laptop designed to last five years or so.
Windows laptops really need to suck much less for a very long time before this kind of thinking breaks, because there is a prevailing belief that they just can’t last that long, and MacBooks and AppleCare+ are simply better investments on account of being likely to return all the money spent.
The Windows PC market has moved up the food chain over the years, but unless you are willing to spend more than ₹1 lakh on a laptop, it really makes little sense compared to a MacBook. However, with MacBook prices also rising, a decision-making gap may start to close. For AI PCs to become a viable alternative to Macs, they need to integrate AI applications that can convince users Windows 11 quickly is just as reliable, if not more so, than Apple’s offerings. Microsoft also has an opportunity as the Windows 10 support cycle ends in 2025, which could further highlight the potential and value of these new AI PCs.
FAQs
What market share did Windows AI laptops capture in Q3 2024?
Windows AI laptops captured 53% of the market share in Q3 2024.
How did Apple’s AI laptop market share change in Q3 2024?
Apple’s market share dropped from 59% to 47% in Q3 2024.
