Global PC shipments tumbled to 66.1 million in Q2, falling at a sharper Y/Y clip than Q1's 6.7% and about 1% faster than expected, according to IDC. Gartner is slightly less harsh, estimating shipments fell 9.5% to 68.4 million.
Factors blamed for the decline include: Inventory reductions ahead of the Windows 10 launch (set for July 29), a strong dollar (has led to higher overseas prices), and tough year/year comps caused by the 2014 boost in business PC sales caused by the end of Windows XP support.
With tablet sales under pressure as well, tablet cannibalisation is less of a factor than before, but rising smartphone/tablet usage still appears to be taking a toll on PC upgrade rates.
Gartner sees full-year shipments falling 4.4%. IDC still expects low-to-mid single-digit declines in 2H15, before volumes stabilise in future years. It sees the Windows 10 launch going 'relatively well', but cautions that Microsoft's decision to provide free upgrades to Windows 7/8 users will limit its impact on PC sales.
Continuing a recent trend, market leaders grabbed share from smaller rivals. IDC estimates that top player Lenovo's share rose to 20.3% from 19.4% a year ago, #2 HP's to 18.5% from 18.2%, and #3 Dell's to 14.5% from 14%. Acer and Asus are respectively given 6.6% and 6.5% shares.
Near-term expectations for PC sales are already quite low, following Intel's Q1 warning, AMD's Q2 warning, Micron's June 25 results/guidance, and plenty of other negative news.