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In the last quarter of the previous year, Mac shipments in the United States surged by an impressive 25%, significantly outperforming all other major PC makers. This remarkable growth is primarily attributed to a combination of factors, including the impact of Microsoft’s shift away from Windows 10, which has forced businesses to replace their aging PCs. As Apple capitalized on this transition, the company was able to extend its lead in the market, leaving traditional PC giants like HP and Dell struggling to keep up.
Strong Growth for Macs in Q4: Key Market Shifts
In Q4 of the previous year, US Mac shipments saw a dramatic 25.9% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, according to Canalys. This growth allowed Apple to expand its share of the US computer market from 14.4% to 17.1%, significantly outpacing its competitors.
Other players like Acer and Lenovo also experienced growth, but at a slower pace. Acer posted a 20% growth in shipments, while Lenovo managed an 11.8% increase. In stark contrast, industry giants HP and Dell saw their combined market share drop below 50%. HP’s shipments declined by 3.6%, and Dell saw a smaller decrease of 2.4%.
The rise in Mac shipments was driven in part by a strategic factor: Microsoft’s decision to phase out support for Windows 10. As businesses prepare for the end of support for this operating system in 2025, many have been forced to upgrade their machines. This shift in the tech landscape has created an opportunity for Apple to target both businesses and consumers who are looking for a seamless transition to newer, more secure systems.
The Windows 10 Effect: A Catalyst for Change
Microsoft’s decision to stop supporting Windows 10 by October 2025 has caused significant disruption in the PC market. After this deadline, there will be no more technical support or security updates for Windows 10, leaving millions of older PCs at risk. These machines, many of which are incapable of running Windows 11, have created a massive gap in the market, forcing companies to replace them sooner rather than later.
Canalys suggests that this transition may be one of the key factors behind the surge in Mac shipments. As businesses are already in the process of upgrading their hardware, many are seizing the opportunity to switch operating systems entirely, opting for Macs instead of PCs. Apple’s improved compatibility and manageability, along with more competitive pricing, have made Macs an increasingly attractive option for businesses. This shift is expected to accelerate in 2025, when Apple’s commercial segment is predicted to see significant gains in market share.
What Undercode Says:
Apple’s growth in the commercial and enterprise sectors isn’t just a result of technological upgrades; it’s also a strategic win for the company as it addresses key pain points that once hindered its adoption in businesses. Historically, Apple faced challenges in being considered a viable choice for large corporations, due to issues related to system compatibility, manageability, and integration into existing IT ecosystems.
However, with the improvements in Apple’s software and hardware, many of these issues are now a thing of the past. Apple has worked hard to refine its ecosystem to ensure that its products can seamlessly integrate with the needs of businesses. Moreover, the company’s upcoming revamp of its channel partner program in 2025 is expected to further increase its appeal to businesses looking for stable, secure, and user-friendly solutions.
One of the most telling aspects of this shift is the growing recognition of Macs in the workplace. As Windows 10’s end-of-life date approaches, businesses are finding that moving to a Mac may be a smarter long-term investment, especially when considering the enhanced security and user experience that Apple offers. This trend is likely to continue growing, with the Mac becoming an increasingly popular choice among commercial customers.
Furthermore, the more affordable Mac models, including the M1 and M2 chips, have made Apple’s computers more accessible than ever before, helping it compete head-to-head with other PC manufacturers. The robust performance and energy efficiency of the M1 and M2 Macs have provided Apple with the edge it needed to expand its reach beyond the consumer sector into the enterprise world.
Apple’s success is also tied to the growing shift toward remote work and hybrid work environments, which place a premium on devices that are not only powerful but also versatile. Macs, with their seamless integration across devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more), are increasingly seen as an ideal solution for businesses seeking to support modern workstyles.
Fact Checker Results:
- Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 in 2025 is accurate and a key factor in the increased demand for new machines.
2.
- The rise in Mac shipments is closely linked to both consumer and enterprise demand as a result of Windows 10’s phase-out.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/19/us-mac-growth-suggests-microsoft-may-have-done-apple-a-huge-favor
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