- Intel predicts AI-enabled PCs will account for more than half of total shipments in 2026
- AI silicon can perform basic tasks locally without relying on cloud processing
- Today’s buyers prioritize speed and battery over laptops’ AI-specific capabilities
Intel is planning a major shift in personal computing, predicting that AI-enabled PCs will account for more than half of all shipments in 2026.
The company estimates that about 130 million units out of 260 million 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 performing local AI tasks, although the exact practical applications for most users remain limited at this point.
AI goes beyond niche markets
Currently, AI PCs are largely considered premium products, with high-end professional laptops and workstations leading their adoption.
Intel Japan President Makoto Ohno emphasized that the company wants to change perceptions quickly, with the goal of making AI-enabled devices standard rather than exceptional.
The goal is not only to commercialize AI as a feature, but also to create systems optimized for tasks that benefit from AI’s localized processing.
For now, many users might acquire these devices for traditional benefits like speed, multitasking, or extended battery life rather than for AI-specific features.
“Given the current situation, reasons to choose an AI PC include its high performance and the long battery life provided by using an NPU,” Ohno said.
“In other words, it’s important to think about the fact 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.
Although the AI functions themselves cannot drive the initial purchases, the integration of newer silicon improves the overall efficiency and responsiveness of the system.
This improvement allows AI PCs, including mini PCs, to outperform older business laptops in routine tasks, making them attractive to a wider audience.
Intel also recognized that broader software support is needed to make AI PCs truly useful to everyday users.
The company envisions a future in which people buy these devices for a specific AI-driven 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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