Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI PCs set for explosive growth

A new report from Omdia predicts a staggering surge in shipments for Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI PCs, with Arm-based models leading the charge. The integration of advanced AI capabilities into laptops is expected to revolutionize the PC market, driving significant growth in both Arm and x86 architectures.

Big shipment bump expected

According to the report, shipments of Arm-based Microsoft Copilot+ laptops could skyrocket by a staggering 533.5% in 2025 alone, from a modest 800,000 units in 2024 to an impressive 5.2 million. This unprecedented growth is attributed to the increasing demand for AI-powered devices across various sectors, from content creation to education.

The report highlights the potential for Arm-based laptops to challenge traditional x86 dominance in the PC market. Arm’s energy efficiency and integrated design offer compelling advantages for AI workloads, making them an attractive option for users seeking powerful yet portable devices.

Chipmakers go all-in for AI

While Arm is poised for rapid expansion, x86 processors will continue to hold a significant market share. Chipmakers like AMD and Intel are investing heavily in AI-optimized architectures to meet the growing demand for high-performance AI PCs. The overall AI PC market is expected to experience explosive growth in the coming years, with shipments reaching nearly 39.4 million units combined for Arm and x86 platforms by 2025. This surge is driven by the increasing integration of AI into everyday computing tasks, as well as advancements in AI hardware and software.

However, the report also cautions that the long-term success of the AI PC market will depend on the ability of manufacturers to deliver compelling products and applications that truly leverage the power of AI. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the AI PC will become a mainstream computing platform or simply a passing fad.