AI PCs to Capture 31% of Global Market by End of 2025

Gartner Forecasts Major Shift in PC Market

Artificial intelligence-enabled personal computers are poised to transform the computing landscape, with Gartner predicting that AI PCs will represent 31% of the worldwide PC market by the end of 2025. This represents a significant acceleration from the 15.6% market share recorded in 2024.

Market Projections and Growth Trajectory

According to the latest research from Gartner, worldwide shipments of AI PCs are projected to reach 77.8 million units in 2025, with even more dramatic growth expected in 2026 when AI PCs are forecast to capture 55% of the total market. By 2029, AI-powered computers will become the standard rather than the exception.

Processor Platform Dynamics

The AI PC market is characterized by distinct preferences between business and consumer segments. Business users predominantly favor x86 architecture on Windows platforms, which is expected to dominate 71% of the AI business laptop market in 2025. Meanwhile, Arm-based processors are gaining traction in the consumer market as application compatibility challenges are resolved.

Technology Infrastructure Evolution

The rise of AI PCs is driving fundamental changes in software development priorities. Gartner anticipates that by the end of 2026, 40% of software vendors will prioritize investments in AI capabilities that run directly on PCs, a dramatic increase from just 2% in 2024. This shift is enabled by the emergence of small language models (SLMs) that can operate locally on devices.

Benefits of Local AI Processing

Small language models represent a breakthrough in edge computing, enabling advanced AI features to run directly on PCs without constant cloud connectivity. This approach offers multiple advantages including faster response times, reduced energy consumption, enhanced data security, and improved privacy protection since user data remains on the device.

Future Market Direction

According to Ranjit Atwal, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, "The future of AI PCs is in customization. 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."

PC manufacturers are increasingly focusing on delivering software-defined, user-centric AI PCs designed for specific roles and use cases, moving beyond traditional hardware-centric approaches to create more personalized computing experiences.