- Intel predicts AI-enabled PCs will comprise over half of total shipments by 2026
- AI silicon can perform basic tasks locally without relying on cloud processing
- Current buyers prioritize speed and battery over AI-specific capabilities in laptops
Anticipating a major shift in personal computing, Intel predicts that AI-enabled PCs will account for more than half of all shipments by 2026.
The company estimates that about 130 million out of 260 million devices shipped globally will have built-in AI processing, such as an NPU or similar hardware.
This trend suggests an increasing focus on machines capable of local AI tasks, although the exact practical applications for most users remain limited at this stage.
AI is moving beyond niche markets
Currently, AI PCs are widely seen as premium products, with high-end business laptops and workstations leading the way in adoption.
Intel’s Japan president, Makoto Ohno, emphasized that the company wants to change perceptions quickly, aiming to make AI-enabled devices the standard rather than the exceptional.
The push is not just about marketing AI as a feature, but also about creating systems optimized for tasks that benefit from localized AI processing.
Until now, many users could acquire these devices for traditional benefits such as speed, multitasking or extended battery life, rather than AI-specific functionality.
“In light of the current situation, the reasons for choosing an AI PC include its high performance and the long battery life provided by the use of an NPU,” said Ohno.
“In other words, it’s important to reflect that people aren’t currently buying an AI PC to use its AI-related features.”
The defining characteristic of an AI PC is the presence of dedicated AI silicon, which can handle basic local AI tasks without relying entirely on cloud processing.
While the AI capabilities alone could not drive the initial purchases, the integration of newer silicon improves overall system efficiency and responsiveness.
This improvement enables AI PCs, including mini PCs, to outperform older business laptops in routine tasks, making them appealing to a wider audience.
Intel has also recognized that broader software support is needed to make AI PCs truly useful for everyday users.
The company envisions a future where people buy these devices for a specific AI-enabled purpose, rather than simply upgrading to the latest technology.
Without compelling applications, the market may struggle to justify AI-specific features beyond performance improvements.
Via TechPowerUp
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