Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
PCs and Tablets Expected to Grow in 2024, But AI Isn’t the Main Driver -Yet
December 6, 2024 | IDCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The global market for personal computing devices, including PCs and tablets, is set to grow 3.8% in 2024, reaching 403.5 million units, according to the latest forecast from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. While PCs have dominated the discussion, driven primarily by the AI PC marketing combined with the approaching end of support for Windows 10, tablets are leading the charge with nearly double-digit growth projected for the year.
Worldwide tablet shipments are expected to grow 9.8% this year, outpacing the 0.8% growth in PCs. However, 2025 is expected to be a year of recovery for PCs, with growth anticipated at 4.3%, driven by commercial upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
The buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dominated tech news in the last couple years, most recently focused around on-device AI capabilities. However, many corporate budgets are constrained due to the overall macro environment, and companies are continuing to evaluate the need for AI PCs/Tablets, which often come at a higher cost.
“There seems to be a big disconnect between supply and demand as PC and platform makers are gearing up for AI PCs and tablets to be the next big thing, but the lack of clear use cases and a bump in average selling prices has buyers questioning the utility.” said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers. “It’s now up to Microsoft, Apple, and Google to prove the need for locally processed AI to avoid a backlash from hardware makers and end users.”
Beyond AI, in the near term the PC and Tablet markets have some tailwinds, most notably the end of support for Windows 10. This, combined with improvements in the global economy, are helping shine light on the PC and tablet outlook. As a result, the commercial segment is expected to be a bright spot within the personal computing device categories with forecast growth of 5.1% in 2025.
“Commercial Windows PC replacements have been particularly pronounced in Japan recently and will continue there in the upcoming quarters,” says Bryan Ma, VP of Devices Research at IDC. “Another notable bright spot is the rise of tablets from Chinese phone vendors, which has found a sweet spot of quality products below US$300 and should continue to propel the markets in both China and many parts of Asia.”
Share on:
Suggested Items
The Government Circuit: From Tax Policy to Tariffs, Denver to Delhi, Speaking Up for Electronics
06/18/2025 | Chris Mitchell -- Column: The Government CircuitI had the privilege of attending the June 3 opening ceremony of AT&S’s HTB3 facility in Leoben, Austria—a milestone moment for Europe’s electronics ecosystem. HTB3 is now the first and only facility in Europe capable of both developing and producing high-performance IC substrates—the advanced platforms that allow powerful chips to connect, process, and function. As demand for AI, 5G, and other cutting-edge technologies grows, so too does the need for sophisticated substrates like those HTB3 will produce.
Standards: The Roadmap for Your Ideal Data Package
05/29/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineIn this interview, IPC design instructor Kris Moyer explains how standards can help you ensure that your data package has all the information your fabricator and assembler need to build your board the way you designed it, allowing them to use their expertise. As Kris says, even with IPC standards, there’s still an art to conveying the right information in your documentation.
Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
05/20/2025 | Jerome Larez -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsIn the past decade, flex and rigid-flex PCB technology has become the fastest-growing market segment. As an increasing number of PCB companies develop the capabilities to fabricate this technology, PCB designers are becoming comfortable incorporating these designs into their products.
IPC Strengthens Global Focus with Promotion of Sanjay Huprikar to Chief Global Officer
05/08/2025 | IPCIPC, the global electronics association, announces the promotion of Sanjay Huprikar to chief global officer. This newly created position reflects the association’s forward-looking strategy and industry needs to strengthen the electronics supply chain.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Technological Advancements – IPC's Vision for 2025
04/16/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPONolan Johnson introduces Matt Kelly, the CTO and VP Standards & Technology at IPC, who shares insights on recent organizational changes. He highlights the importance of proactive standards development to match the rapid pace of technology, predicting a tenfold acceleration in advancements over the next five years. IPC's core initiatives for 2025 focus on design, advanced electronics packaging, and digital manufacturing, aiming to create new guidelines and standards that meet industry demands.