Apple has struggled with its iPad and Mac range for a few quarters, but the launch of the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, along with a slew of MacBook Pro models late last year, likely helped the company generate sufficient sales to beat the previous shipments number garnered in Q3 2023. According to the latest estimate, Apple shipped 4.8 million Macs in Q1 2024, increasing its global market by a single but meaningful digit.
Apple witnessed a 14.6 percent growth in Mac shipments in a single quarter
In the latest data published by IDC, Apple secured fourth place with an 8.1 percent market share and shipped a total of 4.8 million units in Q1 2024. This figure is a decent improvement over the 4.2 million Macs shipped in Q4 2023, where its market share stood at 7.1 percent. However, the company still trails behind Dell, HP, and Lenovo. IDC notes that after two years of decline, worldwide PC shipments finally returned to growth, with nearly 60 million units shipped in the current quarter.
“After two years of decline, the worldwide traditional PC market returned to growth during the first quarter of 2024 (1Q24) with 59.8 million shipments, growing 1.5% year over year, according to preliminary results from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. Growth was largely achieved due to easy year-over-year comparisons as the market declined 28.7% during the first quarter of 2023, which was the lowest point in PC history. In addition, global PC shipments finally returned to pre-pandemic levels as 1Q24 volumes rivaled those seen in 1Q19 when 60.5 million units were shipped.”
While various MacBook Pro models sporting the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max would likely have contributed to an increase in shipments, these machines only occupy the higher price bracket, meaning that Apple will not find success when it comes to volume. Thankfully, the Cupertino firm recently introduced refreshed versions of the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, which are available for a significantly lower price. Furthermore, these portable Macs come with their fair share of improvements, such as a lower starting price and dual NAND flash to improve performance, which should help increase shipments for the next quarter.
Apple was also recently reported to have commenced formal development of the M4 MacBook Pro, but it is unlikely that it will launch this year, as the company has yet to introduce the M3 Ultra, its next workstation-class SoC that will replace the M2 Ultra.
News Source: IDC
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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