What happened: Apple saw its PC shipments plunge 40.5% in the first quarter — the worst drop of all leading PC makers cited in a new IDC report. Apple's PC market share also fell from 8.6% to 7.2%. Details: All manufacturers were hit hard as PC shipments came in at 56.9 million, down 29% compared to the same quarter last year. HP fared the best at only a 24.2% decrease. The "precipitous" drop was linked to many factors, including an end to COVID-driven demand as people return to in-office work and spend less amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty. Where to see the impact: Consumers could benefit from the slump. With stockpiles of PCs now in inventory, there could be some steep discounts on PCs and other devices in the near future. What's next: IDC forecasts a possible rebound for PC makers in late 2023 or 2024, when the economic outlook could improve and consumers would be ready to replace their aging hardware. As well, the drop in demand could give PC makers extra time to diversify their supply chains outside of China, it said. |
