There ’s been a lot of talking about AI PCs this year , but has it actually delivered on its promise ? A fresh analysis fromTrendForcesays the substantial hike in laptop sales in 2024 has more to do withWindows 11updates than it does with fancy new AI features .

“ The impact of AI - integrate notebook on the overall market remains limited for now , ” the story states . “ However , AI features are expect to course integrate into notebook computer stipulation as brand gradually contain them , ensue in a firm rise in the insight rates of AI notebook . ”

The report does n’t specify what is imply by “ AI - integrated notebooks , ” though it ’s safe to assume it refers toCopilot+ PCs , which have a more powerful neural processing unit ( NPU ) onboard that can perform local AI processing .

There are a few reasons for this that can theorize on though . First , the TrendForce report states that the consumer securities industry in North America has been dominated by “ fast-growing furtherance ” and “ entry - level models . ” Copilot+ microcomputer , meanwhile , are priced at $ 999 and up , catering to more premium segments . Those just are n’t the types of laptop computer driving the consumer Windows personal computer market right now .

for get mass to pay off extra for these AI PCs , they really need to be able-bodied to betray themselves on how AI capabilities will benefit them — and that does n’t appear to have pass yet .

Most people swear on cloud - base AI tools likeChatGPTor find existing ironware sufficient for undertaking like television calls or text file redaction . For professional , AI PCs may offer benefits in efficiency for tasks like television editing , but the average user sees modified contiguous utility , shorten the comprehend need to kick upstairs now .

The privacy argument and following delays ofRecallcertainly did n’t help the place either . That was , after all , supposed to be the headlining AI feature ofCopilot+ microcomputer — and it ’s only now rolling out , most six calendar month subsequently .

So , while AI might not have been the bragging selling success Microsoft hop-skip it would be , the bump in microcomputer sales is nice to see regardless . spheric notebook shipments are predicted to grow by another 4.9 % to 183 million units in 2025 . As the the approachingend - of - support for Windows 10gets even closer , more and more line and consumer are go away to be oblige to upgrade .

The phasing out of Windows 10 , however , has emerged as the key motivator for new laptop purchases . Many older system miss the hardware requirements for Windows 11 , such as TPM 2.0 , forcing users to replace otherwise operable devices . This has drive pregnant demand for non - AI laptops compatible with the newer operating organization . Businesses and consumers upgrading for complaisance or functionality are prioritise cost - effective models over experimental AI PCs .

As AI PCs evolve and the technology matures , their appeal might grow , especially if more software system becomes optimized for NPUs and prices fall . However , the AI get-up-and-go remains a secondary factor compared to the more immediate requirement to transition to Windows 11 . This highlight a mismatch between industriousness innovation and consumer needs , with the latter focused on affordability and essential functionality rather than high-risk advancements