IDC slashes PC and tablet forecasts

Windows 10 expected to boost market later on in the year

IDC has lowered its outlook for both the global PC and tablet market for this year, but said the arrival of Windows 10 could boost the devices market later on in 2015.

The analyst expects global PC shipments to fall by 4.9 per cent annually this year, compared with its previous forecast of a decline of just 3.3 per cent over the same period.

The forecast slash was driven mainly by trouble in emerging economies.

"Emerging markets continue to struggle, finishing 2014 with a decline of 9.5 per cent in PC shipments," it said. "Continued political instability, commodity pricing pressures, and currency devaluations in these regions have curtailed spending across a number of sectors, including public projects that provided a boost in recent years.

"Mature regions continued to fare better, ending 2014 with positive growth of 8.4 per cent for the year, the first growth year since 2010. This growth was supported by XP system replacements, slowing tablet purchases, and aggressive PC pricing."

According to IDC's tablet market figures, which it released at the same time, global shipments of the devices will reach 234.5m in 2015, up a "modest" 2.1 per cent on the year before.

IDC added that Windows 10 is likely to boost the devices market when it hits the shelves in the autumn, but said the PC market may not be the key beneficiary.

"The introduction of Windows 10 later this year is expected to be well received and support the Windows ecosystem, including some [PC] replacements," it said. "However, it will also provide a better experience with mouse and keyboard, effectively relieving some pressure to move towards touch, and supporting non-PC devices such as two-in-ones, likely without boosting total PC shipments significantly."