The Worldwide PC shipments have been sharply declining over the last 4-5 years. This is due to a combination of factors including market saturation; extended replacement cycles; economic instability in emerging markets; and competition from other consumer devices like smartphones and phablets. The unit shipments for the global PC market is expected to decrease from 258.8 million in 2017 to 215.8 million in 2023, at a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0 percent over the forecast period, said a report from ResearchAndMarket.
On the positive side, there are indications that technology innovations such as touch-enabled PCs, 2-in-1s, ultra-slim and convertible laptops, hybrids, better battery life, and the Surface product line from Microsoft, combined with demand from the enterprise segment, can offset the Global PC market declines to an extent, indicates report. Windows 10 adoption rates will have a huge influence on the course of the global PC market over the forecast period, said report.
Windows 10 adoption to influence global PC market
The adoption of Windows 10 continues steadily since its launch in 2015. Windows 10 installations started out at a blistering pace with 75 million in its first four weeks and over 350 million in its first 12 months. However, its free upgrade offer ended in the middle of 2016, which has affected subsequent adoption rates. It is expected to pick up pace once again towards 2020 as the deadline for ending Windows 7 support approaches.
