Worldwide PC shipments reached 69.9 million units in the third quarter of 2025, marking an 8.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to preliminary data released by Gartner. The growth was largely attributed to the Windows 10 end-of-support upgrade cycle, which prompted refresh purchases across most regions.
In North America, shipment growth was limited to 1.6 per cent, as demand had already been pulled forward earlier in the year due to anticipated import tariffs. Consumer demand remained weak at lower price points, with geopolitical and macroeconomic factors contributing to cautious spending behaviour. Many buyers delayed purchases or sought promotional pricing, according to Gartner’s Research Principal, Rishi Padhi.
While the upgrade cycle continues to influence short-term growth, the industry is also shifting focus toward AI-enabled PCs. Gartner estimates that AI PCs—those equipped with integrated neural processing units (NPUs), will account for 31 per cent of total shipments in 2025, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This reflects a broader transition in market priorities and product innovation.
Among the top five vendors, Lenovo recorded the highest year-on-year growth at 16.6 per cent, shipping 19.4 million units and capturing 27.8 per cent of the global market. HP Inc. followed with 15 million units and a 10.6 per cent growth rate. Apple saw a 10.7 per cent increase, while Dell and ASUS posted more modest gains of 2.5 per cent and 5.5 per cent, respectively. The “Others” category declined slightly by 0.3 per cent, indicating consolidation among leading manufacturers.
The data includes desktop and laptop PCs running Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS, and reflects shipments into distribution channels rather than end-user sales. Final figures are expected to be released in Gartner’s full market share report.
The third-quarter results suggest that while immediate growth is being driven by operating system transitions, longer-term momentum may depend on how effectively vendors adapt to emerging technologies such as AI integration and evolving consumer expectations. |
