Aug 13 (Reuters) - AI PCs accounted for 14% of all

personal computers shipped in the second quarter with Apple ( AAPL )

leading the way, research firm Canalys said on Tuesday,

as added artificial intelligence capabilities help reinvigorate

demand.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

PC providers and chipmakers have pinned high hopes on

devices that can perform AI tasks directly on the system,

bypassing the cloud, as the industry slowly emerges from its

worst slump in years.

These devices typically feature neural processing units

dedicated to performing AI tasks.

BY THE NUMBERS

Apple ( AAPL ) commands about 60% of the AI PC market, the research

firm said in the report, pointing to its Mac portfolio

incorporating M-series chips with a neural engine.

Within Microsoft's ( MSFT ) Windows, AI PC shipments grew

127% sequentially in the quarter. The tech giant debuted its

"Copilot+" AI PCs in May, with Qualcomm's ( QCOM ) Snapdragon PC

chips based on Arm Holdings' architecture.

Struggling chipmaker Intel ( INTC ) also ramped up

deliveries of its AI PC chips, according to the report, hoping

to capitalize on the push towards producing AI-capable devices.

The introduction of AI PCs is also driving growth in the

premium segment, with shipments of Windows PC priced over $800

range growing 9% sequentially.

Lenovo's ( LNVGF ) AI PC shipments grew 228% sequentially,

representing about 6% of its total Windows PC shipments in the

June quarter.

AI PCs accounted for 8% of HP's Windows shipments,

while Dell had just below 7% of its Windows shipments

represented by AI PCs.

KEY QUOTE

"With a strong foundation now set, AI-capable PC shipments

are poised to gain further traction in the second half of 2024,"

said Ishan Dutt, principal analyst at Canalys.

GRAPHIC