India’s personal computer market experienced a commendable rebound in 2024, seeing an expansion of 3.8 percent year-on-year (YoY). According to the latest analysis from International Data Corporation (IDC), the domestic environment has become increasingly competitive, with HP leading the charge by capturing the largest share of shipments, followed by Lenovo and Dell. The total units shipped – encompassing desktops, notebooks, and workstations – reached an impressive 14.4 million in 2024, indicative of a robust market adapting to technology trends and consumer demands.
The notable increase in PC sales can be attributed to multiple factors. A significant driving force has been the uptick in public sector procurement efforts, which catalyzed sales in both the commercial and enterprise segments. Alongside this, there has been a marked interest in gaming and AI-enhanced devices. Reports indicate that the demand for AI-capable notebooks has surged, largely due to emerging technologies powered by Intel’s and AMD’s latest processors. In particular, the consumer segment has seen a 2.6 percent growth, underlining the increasing inclination towards advanced computing solutions.
Amidst this backdrop, the shipment figures tell an interesting story: notebook sales experienced a 4.5 percent YoY growth while desktops showed a more modest 1.8 percent increase. However, the real highlight of the year was workstations, reflecting a remarkable growth rate of 10.9 percent.
When it comes to the competitive landscape, HP dominated the market with a 30.1 percent share, despite facing challenges in the consumer segment which saw a 7.5 percent decline. This decline signals a vibrant shift as competitors ramp up their offerings. Lenovo, with a steady 17.2 percent market share, maintained its position largely through strategic engagement in the consumer and commercial spheres, witnessing a growth of 7 percent across these segments.
Dell and Acer continued to solidify their positions as significant players, with Dell capturing 16.1 percent of the market and Acer making impressive strides to achieve a 15.1 percent share. Notably, Acer’s growth was extraordinary, registering a staggering 48.4 percent increase in the consumer segment, attributed to aggressive pricing strategies and promotional activities through e-commerce channels. The final player in the top five, Asus, held steady with a 7 percent market share, bolstered by a focused approach in maintaining healthy inventory levels, particularly within the commercial sector.
Looking ahead, IDC’s experts have suggested that the trajectory of growth could very well persist, fueled by an ongoing demand for innovative computing solutions. Bharath Shenoy, an IDC Research Manager, emphasized that since mid-2024, there has been a steady increase in the shipment of AI-infused laptops, pointing towards a clear consumer preference for advanced technology that enhances everyday productivity and gaming experiences.
However, the Indian PC market is not without its challenges. Navkendar Singh, an Associate Vice President at IDC India, noted that we can anticipate a wave of replacement demand emerging as devices purchased during the 2020-21 period begin to age. Nonetheless, external factors, such as the weakening Indian rupee, pose significant risks, potentially leading to increased costs that could dampen enthusiasm among price-sensitive small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and consumers.
The Indian PC market in 2024 exhibited impressive resilience and adaptability, characterized by significant YoY growth, strategic competitor maneuvers, and a shift towards gaming and AI-powered devices. As industry stakeholders navigate the complexities of supply chain dynamics and currency fluctuations, the outlook remains optimistic, driven by an unyielding consumer appetite for technological innovation. The interplay between market forces and emerging trends will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of PC sales in India, fostering an environment ripe for continued evolution and growth in the coming years.