Apple has been enjoying healthy growth in computer sales of late.
According to a report by the global intelligence firm IDC, there was a 20.8% growth in shipments of Macs in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. In real terms, that equates to 5.7 million machines across the world (up by a million) and an increased market share from 7.5% to 8.8%. But while good news, all is not quite what it seems.
To some extent, Mac sales have mirrored the general state of the PC industry of late and the overarching story has been one of general decline until this year when first quarter Apple shipments were up 14.6%, meaning it has now had two consecutive growth periods.
In the first quarter of 2023, for example, IDC reported a 40.5% slump in Apple computer shipments (greater than the 29% drop felt by the wider PC industry). Apple then temporarily bucked the trend by growing 10.3% in the second quarter of 2023 against a 13.4% wider PC market fall before subsequently falling by 23.1% and 18.4% in the following periods against wider PC market declines of 7.6% and 2.7%.
In simple terms, this means 2022 was a decent-ish year (albeit down on 2021 due to supply issues), 2023 was a doozy and 2024 looks set to be cause for celebration. But there are many explanations for what has unfolded in recent times. The downturn of yesteryear has, to a great extent, been due to widespread weak demand, excess inventory and a worsening macroeconomic climate that has slowly been easing. Data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) also suggests that Apple users have been hanging on to their devices for longer.
Silicon success
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mac hardware
We help to solve your hardware hassles, from interrupted upgrades to running diagnostics
Give your iPhone a whole new look in iOS 18
Make your iPhone uniquely you
iPhone 16
Apple Intelligence-ready smartphone for the rest of us
Apple Watch Series 10
10th anniversary Watch is now slimmer with an even bigger display
AirPods 4
Apple's most affordable AirPods remain a brilliant buy
We. HEAR Pro
Room-filling sound from this stylish wireless speaker
HiDock H1
An impressive 11-port AI audio dock for conferencers
Adobe Premiere Elements 2025
Create eye-catching videos for sharing on social media
Photoshop 2024
Your imagination is the limit with this AI-powered pixel creator
Wispr Flow
Bring the power of AI dictation to DMs, documents and Discord chats