Last quarter, global PC shipments fell by nearly a third, and Apple’s fell by more than 40 percent, bringing them below pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic undoubtedly played a role in this drop, but there may be other factors as well.
According to research firm IDC, worldwide PC shipments totaled 53.8 million units in the first quarter of this year, down 32 percent from the same period in 2020. Apple, known for its popular MacBook laptops, cut PC shipments by 41.2 percent during the same period, the steepest decline among the top five manufacturers.
The pandemic has caused significant changes in the way people work, study and communicate with others, and many have begun to use technology to stay connected. However, the surge in demand for laptops and tablets at the beginning of the pandemic may have contributed to the decline in supply. Because so many people were buying new devices, the market may have become oversaturated, and many consumers may not want to upgrade their devices yet.
In addition, consumer preferences may have changed, with many preferring mobile devices over traditional PCs. As smartphones and tablets become more powerful, many users may find that they can do everything they need to do on these smaller devices without needing a larger PC.
The decline in PC shipments can also be attributed to the ongoing chip shortages affecting the technology industry. Because semiconductor chips are in high demand in many industries, including automotive and consumer electronics, supply chain disruptions and production delays have become frequent, causing order backlogs and production delays.
However, despite the drop in shipments, the outlook for the PC market remains positive. As the pandemic continues to subside and people return to full-time work and study, demand for PCs may resume as people look for more powerful and versatile devices. In addition, the growth of remote working and digital learning may continue to drive demand for laptops and tablets, especially in emerging markets where access to technology is still limited.
In conclusion, the global PC market took a hit in the last quarter, with shipments of Apple computers dropping more than 40 percent. While the pandemic, market oversaturation and consumer preference for mobile devices may have played a role, the ongoing shortage of chips is also a significant contributing factor. Nevertheless, the outlook for the PC market remains positive, with the potential for a resurgence in demand as the world continues to adapt to the new normal.
