According to preliminary results of IDC's global quarterly personal computing device tracking, in the fourth quarter of 2023, global traditional computer shipments were slightly higher than expected, close to 67.1 million units, down 2.7% from last year.
The Zhitong Finance App learned that according to the preliminary results of IDC's global quarterly personal computing device tracking, in the fourth quarter of 2023, global traditional computer shipments were slightly higher than expected, close to 67.1 million units, down 2.7% from last year. The exciting news, however, is that market contraction appears to have bottomed out and growth is expected in 2024.
IDC believes that although the performance exceeded expectations, the fourth quarter of 2023 was the eighth consecutive quarter of year-on-year sales decline. At the same time, it was also the fourth quarter with the lowest shipment volume since 2006, where the promotion season is located, highlighting the slump in the market due to weak demand and reliance on major promotions.
The market experienced an unprecedented continuous decline, in stark contrast to the historical trend since 1995. In 2022, sales plummeted 16.5% from the previous year. Preliminary survey results showed that 2023 contracted by another 13.9% compared to 2022. It is an unprecedented slump in this market since records began, and it is also the result of a sharp contraction after the sharp rise in PC purchases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ryan Reith, vice president of IDC's global mobile and consumer device tracking company group, said that in the past 4 years, the PC market has arguably been the biggest roller coaster of ups and downs in major device categories. As can be seen, market shipments have declined again, but there are still many positive aspects to the PC outlook. Artificial intelligence is clearly in the limelight. This is a matter of course, but it should not be overlooked that 2024 is expected to be the year with the strongest switch in the commercial market, and the popularity of gaming PCs will continue to drive market demand.
The leading players in this market have hardly changed significantly. Like the entire market, there have also been unusual quarterly growth fluctuations. Brands that are better positioned in the commercial market may be more confident in 2024, but technological advancements should create opportunities for both commercial and consumer markets.