Want an AI PC? Why not get a Mac?

At least one analyst thinks Microsoft’s OpenAI-supported Copilot+ PCs will dent Mac sales as the hype around AI boosts computer sales over the next 12-months. What if they’re wrong?

What the analysts say

The analysts at Omdia (via WCCFTech) predict Microsoft’s Copilot+ ARM-based PC sales will reach 800,000 units this year and increase to 5.2 million units in 2025. By 2028, they suggest 47.7 million units of these things will be sold.

The analysts also say that if Microsoft manages to catch Apple up in terms of processor and product design, it may be able to give Macs a run for their money. But Apple isn’t sitting on its laurels and will very soon be in the unique position of offering a complete ecosystem of AI products – iPhone, Mac, and iPad. Microsoft does not have this.

Further, while Apple’s approach to AI is to prioritise privacy by design, Microsoft is simply opening up to third party providers (OpenAI in this case). That gives Apple a big privacy advantage, too.

What about security, privacy…

Given that AI PCs are going to be productive PCs, it’s open to question if business users will want to invest in Microsoft’s wares on the strength of also ran design and weaker privacy promises.

Add in a dose of the vast economic damage done as a result of the recent Microsoft/Crowdstrike screw up and enterprise purchasers really do have a choice.

Just because Microsoft has dominated PC marketshare up until now doesn’t mean it always will – and, certainly, given its decades of software vulnerabilities, plenty of reasons it should no longer be seen as a viable tool for business, particularly when coupled with AI. Perhaps it’s time for enterprises to embrace multiple platforms, and accept that Macs can run Windows, too?

Why get burned again?

I’m not terribly certain of Omdia’s analysis. I’m sure millions of Copilot+ PCs will actually ship – but I believe we’re still going to see significant increases in Mac (and iPhone, iPad) sales as well.

AI is simply being used as a buzz word to convince people to invest in the same tired Windows systems, even though a far superior, more secure, more private alternative already exists. Enterprise purchasers don’t need to be fooled again. Apple is that alternative and it is way past time to climb aboard. Why get burned again?

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