The PC market presents a mixed picture in the second quarter of 2025: While solid growth is recorded worldwide, the US market remains at the previous year's level. The development at Apple is particularly striking: The Mac recorded worldwide growth of over 21 percent, the strongest increase among the major vendors – with the exception of the US market, where demand is stagnating.
According to a preliminary report from IDC, Apple significantly increased its worldwide Mac sales in the second quarter of 2025. Compared to the previous year, the number of Macs shipped grew by 21.4 percent to 6.2 million units. This makes Apple the fastest-growing PC manufacturer. Its market share now stands at 9.1 percent, which continues to place it fourth behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell. In the US, however, growth remained flat, while the rest of the world reported an increase of nine percent.
Mac grows internationally, USA remains stable
According to IDC, Apple shipped 6.2 million Macs worldwide in the second quarter of 2025. Compared to the previous year's figure of 5.1 million, this represents an increase of 21.4 percent. Despite this growth, Apple, with a market share of 9.1 percent, continues to lag behind Lenovo (17 million units), HP (14.1 million), and Dell (9.8 million). The regional difference is particularly striking: While the global PC market grew by 6.5 percent to 68.4 million units overall, the US market remained stable over the same period – with exactly 0 percent growth. Thus, the Mac did not gain ground in the US, unlike the rest of the world, which recorded growth of 9 percent.
Causes: Advance purchases, tariffs and stock reduction
According to IDC analyst Jean Philippe Bouchard, the previous quarter had benefited from many manufacturers, including Apple, accelerating their shipments. This was due to concerns about new US tariffs and potential price volatility. As a result of these advance purchases, inventories were high in the second quarter, while demand declined. In addition, there is general buyer caution, particularly in the US, which is further exacerbated by the prospect of price increases. This is slowing growth, while other regions are less affected.
IDC Outlook: Uncertainty, but scope for special promotions
The situation for the third quarter remains unclear. Ryan Reith, Group Vice President at IDC Worldwide Device Trackers, speaks of cautious optimism. While vendors don't want to miss any market opportunity, excessive inventory levels pose risks—especially if demand continues to decline. IDC expects potential price increases to vary regionally and over time. It's conceivable that special promotions will be launched to reduce inventories even as official prices rise. Such a combination of rising list prices and occasional discounts would not be unusual under current conditions, according to IDC.
Mac growth strong, but uncertainties remain
Apple saw significant growth worldwide with the Mac in the second quarter of 2025. Shipments increased by over 21 percent, while the overall market grew by 6.5 percent. Despite this success, it remains in fourth place behind established vendors Lenovo, HP, and Dell. In the US, however, the market is stagnating – with no growth, but high inventories and subdued demand. IDC does not expect a clear direction for the third quarter, but rather a market phase characterized by uncertainty, potential price adjustments, and regionally varying sales strategies. The strong first half of the year could put pressure on vendors to quickly reduce inventories – with possible special promotions as a result. (Image: Apple)
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