The era of AI PCs is no longer a futuristic concept: it’s happening now. According to the latest forecasts from Gartner, these devices will account for 31% of the global computer market by the end of 2025, with 77.8 million units shipped worldwide.
A year later, in 2026, the number will surge to 143 million units, representing more than half of the global market (55%). And by 2029, Gartner forecasts that computers with artificial intelligence capabilities will become standard, leaving behind their niche product status.
What exactly is an AI PC?
AI PCs are systems designed to run AI tasks locally, thanks to the integration of NPUs (Neural Processing Units) and optimized processors. This means users can leverage small language models (SLMs) and other AI features directly on the device, reducing reliance on the cloud.
The benefits are twofold: faster response times and enhanced data privacy. Additionally, since processing occurs on the device itself, energy consumption is more efficient, and infrastructure costs for external services are reduced.
Differences between consumers and businesses
The platform chosen is crucial for AI PC adoption. Gartner notes that consumers are increasingly leaning toward laptops with ARM-based processors, especially as application compatibility issues are resolved.
In the corporate realm, however, the x86 on Windows ecosystem dominates, projected to represent 71% of the business laptop market with AI by 2025, compared to 24% for ARM.
This reflects that companies, being more conservative with their infrastructure, prioritize stability and software compatibility with existing systems.
An opportunity for software
Hardware alone isn’t enough. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 40% of software vendors will have prioritized developing AI functions that run natively on PCs, a significant increase from just 2% in 2024.
This means that in the next two years, we’ll see a surge of locally optimized AI applications, ranging from personal assistants and productivity tools to video editing, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
SLMs will be at the forefront: compact, task-specific models that execute particular functions efficiently. Their widespread deployment on laptops and desktops will usher in a new generation of user-tailored applications.
Personalization: the future of the market
“The key lies in personalization,” says Ranjit Atwal, senior analyst at Gartner. Manufacturers will need to sell not just more powerful machines but complete ecosystems tailored to individual user profiles: from students organizing their studies with AI assistance to creative professionals demanding power for real-time image and video generation.
The more users interact with these devices, the more data manufacturers will gather about their habits (while respecting privacy), enabling continuous product refinement and strengthening brand loyalty.
Obstacles along the way
Nevertheless, the path to widespread adoption isn’t without challenges. Gartner warns that economic uncertainty, tariffs, and slowing PC markets in some countries have caused many users to delay upgrading their devices.
Despite this, forecasts are clear: those investing in an AI PC are doing so to prepare for the growing integration of AI at the edge, where decisions must be made in real-time with low latency.
Beyond 2026: a cultural shift
The transition to AI PCs won’t be solely technological but also cultural. Users will need to get accustomed to interacting with their devices in new ways, from contextual assistants that anticipate needs to systems that learn from individual habits.
The line separating traditional PCs from always-available intelligent assistants will become increasingly blurred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is an AI PC?
A computer equipped with processors and NPUs capable of executing local AI tasks, reducing dependence on the cloud.
2. Why are AI PCs important?
They enable faster responses, greater privacy, and improved energy efficiency in AI applications, from personal assistants to productivity and security tools.
3. What’s the difference between ARM and x86 in this market?
ARM is gaining ground in the consumer sector, while x86 continues to dominate in enterprise environments due to its compatibility and stability.
4. When will AI PCs become mainstream?
According to Gartner, by 2026, they will represent 55% of the global market, and by 2029, they will be the standard.