Shipments reach 15.9 million units in 2025, surpassing pandemic peaks as businesses refresh systems and new users replace aging laptops.
India’s personal computer market reached its strongest year ever in 2025, fueled by millions of users upgrading laptops purchased during pandemic lockdowns.
According to IDC, shipments of desktops, notebooks, and workstations rose 10.2% year-over-year to 15.9 million units, marking the first time the country has crossed the 15-million annual shipment milestone.
The surge surpasses demand levels seen during the COVID-19 boom in 2021 and 2022, when remote work and online learning pushed millions of Indians to buy PCs for the first time.
Pandemic Buyers Are Now Upgrading
A large part of the growth comes from first-time users who bought PCs during lockdowns and are now replacing aging devices.
Bharath Shenoy, research manager at IDC, said the pandemic dramatically expanded India’s PC user base.
Several factors are now driving upgrades:
- Devices purchased in 2020–2021 reaching replacement cycles
- Rising digital adoption across households and businesses
- Increased availability of PCs in smaller cities and towns
The result is a maturing market where earlier adopters are now becoming repeat buyers.
India is also becoming a larger player in the global PC ecosystem.
IDC data shows the country’s share of global shipments rose:
- 3.3% in 2020
- 5.6% in 2025
Globally, PC shipments grew 8.1% to 284.7 million units in 2025.
While still smaller than markets like the U.S. or China, India remains one of the fastest-growing PC markets worldwide as demand spreads beyond major urban centers.
Businesses Drive More Than Half of Sales
Commercial buyers accounted for the majority of PC purchases in India last year.
Breakdown of shipments:
- 52.9% commercial segment
- 47.1% consumer segment
Enterprise demand was boosted by a Windows refresh cycle, prompting many organizations to upgrade systems.
Meanwhile:
- Small and medium-sized businesses are replacing older hardware
- Some government agencies are beginning procurement upgrades
These institutional purchases are helping stabilize demand beyond consumer cycles.
The Indian PC market remains dominated by major global brands.
Top vendors include:
- HP
- Lenovo
- Dell
- Acer
- Asus
Apple’s Mac lineup, however, holds a smaller presence than in Western markets.
MacBooks accounted for about 5.6% of India’s notebook market in 2025, compared with:
- 11–12% globally
- Around 20% in the United States
MacBook share previously peaked at 7.4% in 2022, before declining.
Apple Eyes Growth With Lower-Cost MacBooks
Most Mac sales in India come from consumers rather than businesses.
IDC estimates 85% to 87% of Mac shipments are purchased by individual users.
However, Apple may gain ground soon.
The company recently introduced a lower-priced MacBook Neo, which could appeal to Indian buyers as Windows laptops grow more expensive.
Apple is also trying to expand into the enterprise segment, a market where it historically has had limited traction.
AI PCs Are Emerging—But Not Driving Sales Yet
Artificial intelligence features are beginning to appear in premium laptops, though they are not yet a major purchase driver in India.
Still, adoption is gradually rising.
For example:
- Some companies buying premium PCs are switching to AI-enabled models within the same budget range
- Content creators and digital professionals are increasingly interested in AI-powered systems
The premium laptop segment — devices priced above $1,000 — grew 8.2% year-over-year in 2025.
Headwinds Could Slow the Market
Despite the record year, the PC market may face pressure in the near term.
IDC predicts India’s PC shipments could decline around 5% in 2026, compared with a low double-digit drop globally.
Potential challenges include:
- Rising device prices
- Component shortages
However, India’s relatively low PC penetration—estimated between 17% and 20%— means there is still significant room for growth.
The market could stabilize by 2027, when demand from businesses and households is expected to strengthen again.
The Bigger Picture
India’s PC boom reflects a broader shift in the country’s digital economy.
As more people work, study, and build businesses online, the personal computer is moving from a pandemic necessity to a long-term productivity tool.
For manufacturers and software companies alike, India is quickly becoming one of the most important growth markets in global computing.
TL;DR:
India’s PC shipments reached a record 15.9 million units in 2025, growing 10.2% year-over-year and surpassing pandemic highs. Much of the demand comes from first-time buyers upgrading devices purchased during COVID lockdowns, along with enterprise upgrades and expanding digital adoption across smaller cities.
AI Summary:
- India PC shipments hit 15.9M units in 2025, a record high.
- Growth driven by pandemic-era buyers upgrading laptops.
- Commercial buyers accounted for 52.9% of shipments.
- MacBooks hold about 5.6% market share in India.
- Market may dip around 5% in 2026 before recovering.
