Why PC Vendors are Watching Mac Sales Closely

For many years, Apple’s Mac has had a solid run in customers buying computers from Apple. In the last year, Apple has continued to sell over 5 million units per quarter. On the other hand, Windows PC sales dominated pretty much the rest of the market. In the last quarter, according to Gartner, Lenovo sold 18,310 million units, HP sold 15.446 units, and Dell sold 10.827 million PCs. Thanks to demand during the pandemic, Apple sold 5.513 million Macs in Q3, up 7.3% over the same quarter in 2019.

While the Mac has never been a major threat to the big PC makers to date, they still watch Apple closely, especially for any innovations Apple may add to the Mac that might impact the market and, ultimately, their future designs.

But when Apple announced that they have moved on from Intel’s CPU’s to their own, the PC makers have become even more interested in Apple being a potential threat to their PC dominancy.

The biggest reason is that Apple now controls its processor destiny as well as its cost, to a degree. Conservative estimates for a Core i7 processor from Intel cost as much as $80-$90+ per chip. That, along with Apple’s premium pricing model, always kept the Macs well over the same laptop’s price from computers in the Windows camp using the same processor.

For Windows laptop makers, their sweet spot for most of their profits come from making laptops in the $599-$899 range. While they all make Chromebooks priced mostly under $400, margins are slim to none. That is why most of them try to pack as much technology as possible into their laptops in their sweet spot range and market them aggressively. Of course, they all sell even more expensive laptops, but most of the profits and volume come from products in the $599-$899 range.

Apple recently announced a MacBook Air with 256 gigs of storage for $899, the only MacBook to even touch the high end of the Windows PC maker’s sweet spot. But this uses a low-end Intel Core i3 processor and has only eight gigs of memory. Dell sells at Latitude 3510 laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor and 500 gigs of storage for $899.

Apple has invested a great deal in their processor design. Their new A14 Bionic chip is expected to be on some of their laptops, perhaps before the end of the year. Apple has most likely already amortized some of the costs of their designs and using their processors, and they no longer pay the Intel tax.

This shift from Intel to Apple’s homegrown processor has some Windows laptop vendors more worried about Apple potentially threatening their core laptop business. The two price points they are the most worried about, should Apple decide to be more aggressive, is in the range of $799-$899 and using their most powerful A14 Bionic processor. Note this article from Ben Bajarin analyzing how a lower cost Mac entry point could dramatically increase the Macs PC market share.

There is a sense that should Apple offer a Mac in this power and price range; it could pressure their bottom lines. Apple has a great marketing machine, and they are showing more marketing focus on the Mac these days.

Suppose they make a lower cost/higher performance Mac that broaches on prime Windows laptop territory. In that case, it can impact all of the traditional Windows laptop vendors.

This issue is causing some of the PC forecasters to struggle with 2021 forecasts. Apple has not said when we would get our first Mac’s with an Apple homegrown processor, although there are rumors that Apple might hold another event in November to launch the first models.

A more likely scenario is that they launch A14 laptops in early Q1 and market them aggressively. If so, Apple could increase its Mac’s unit sales and potentially decrease some Windows PC sales in the near future.

I have had many discussion’s with Windows Laptop vendors over the years about Apple. These talks were always about Apple, not threatening their overall market position, especially in corporate markets.

Only in the last three months, since Apple announced they were leaving Intel and moving to their own silicon, have I heard a potential concern about Apple making a bid for what is their sweet spot.

Without knowing what Apple will bring to market with its chips and its pricing, it is hard to forecast Apple’s Mac growth at this time. However, their competition is rightly concerned about an Apple move in its direction and will be watching Apple closer than in the past.

Published by

Tim Bajarin

Tim Bajarin is the President of Creative Strategies, Inc. He is recognized as one of the leading industry consultants, analysts and futurists covering the field of personal computers and consumer technology. Mr. Bajarin has been with Creative Strategies since 1981 and has served as a consultant to most of the leading hardware and software vendors in the industry including IBM, Apple, Xerox, Compaq, Dell, AT&T, Microsoft, Polaroid, Lotus, Epson, Toshiba and numerous others.

210 thoughts on “Why PC Vendors are Watching Mac Sales Closely”

  1. Hello, Neat post. There is an issue along with your website in internet explorer, might check this?K IE still is the marketplace chief and a large component to other folks will omit your magnificent writing because of this problem.

  2. I’m curious to find out what blog platform you’re using? I’m experiencing some minor security issues with my latest site and I’d like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?

  3. Greetings from California! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I love the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome blog!

  4. Thanks, I’ve just been looking for info approximately this subject for a long time and yours is the greatest I have found out so far. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the source?

  5. Whats Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & assist other users like its aided me. Great job.

  6. hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this site, as I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again soon..

  7. Hey! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!

  8. Good ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

  9. you are really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a fantastic job on this topic!

  10. Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thanks Nonetheless I’m experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss drawback? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  11. I think this is among the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

  12. I’d should examine with you here. Which isn’t something I normally do! I get pleasure from reading a put up that can make folks think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  13. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  14. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to seek out anyone with some authentic ideas on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this web site is one thing that’s wanted on the web, someone with a little bit originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the internet!

  15. you’re in point of fact a good webmaster. The site loading speed is amazing. It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a wonderful task on this matter!

  16. My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome weblog!

  17. I’ve learn a few excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you set to make this sort of great informative site.

  18. of course like your website but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I’ll definitely come back again.

  19. A powerful share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing slightly evaluation on this. And he the truth is purchased me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If doable, as you turn out to be experience, would you mind updating your weblog with extra details? It’s extremely helpful for me. Massive thumb up for this blog publish!

  20. I carry on listening to the news broadcast lecture about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i find some?

  21. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  22. I do like the manner in which you have presented this specific concern plus it does offer me personally some fodder for thought. On the other hand, coming from everything that I have witnessed, I really trust as other comments stack on that men and women keep on point and not get started upon a soap box involving the news du jour. Anyway, thank you for this excellent piece and whilst I can not really go along with the idea in totality, I value the point of view.

  23. I?¦ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i?¦m satisfied to express that I’ve an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not put out of your mind this site and give it a glance on a continuing basis.

  24. I have learn some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you place to make this type of magnificent informative web site.

  25. Hello There. I found your blog the use of msn. That is a very smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read extra of your helpful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

  26. Thanks for every other informative web site. Where else may just I am getting that type of info written in such a perfect manner? I’ve a venture that I’m simply now operating on, and I’ve been at the look out for such information.

  27. Simply wish to say your article is as surprising. The clarity on your put up is just cool and i can suppose you’re a professional on this subject. Well along with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to keep updated with drawing close post. Thank you a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

  28. I simply wanted to type a small comment in order to express gratitude to you for these pleasant advice you are writing on this website. My prolonged internet lookup has finally been honored with reliable facts and techniques to go over with my family members. I would tell you that we visitors are rather endowed to be in a notable website with so many lovely individuals with very beneficial ideas. I feel truly happy to have come across the webpage and look forward to plenty of more brilliant times reading here. Thank you again for all the details.

  29. Good day very cool website!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I am glad to seek out so many helpful info right here within the publish, we’d like work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  30. Hello this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  31. Good blog! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!

  32. whoah this weblog is fantastic i like studying your posts. Stay up the good work! You already know, a lot of persons are hunting round for this information, you can aid them greatly.

  33. Wonderful web site. A lot of helpful information here. I am sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks to your sweat!

  34. Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  35. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Reading this information So i am glad to exhibit that I have a very good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I such a lot for sure will make certain to don?¦t forget this web site and provides it a look regularly.

  36. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My site discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!

  37. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!

  38. What i do not realize is in fact how you’re now not really much more smartly-favored than you might be now. You are very intelligent. You recognize therefore significantly in the case of this subject, made me personally consider it from so many various angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested except it is something to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs great. At all times care for it up!

  39. you are truly a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace is amazing. It kind of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a wonderful job on this matter!

  40. Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have came upon so far. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure in regards to the supply?

  41. I’ve been browsing online greater than 3 hours lately, but I never found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It?¦s lovely value enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the internet will be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  42. Excellent web site. Lots of useful information here. I¦m sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat!

  43. Very good blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get comments from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Cheers!

  44. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  45. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your weblog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A number of my blog visitors have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any recommendations to help fix this issue?

  46. Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for
    this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress
    because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.

    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  47. Right now it looks like BlogEngine is the top blogging platform available right now.

    (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  48. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  49. I am very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

  50. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  51. You have noted very interesting points! ps nice internet site. “I’m going to a special place when I die, but I want to make sure my life is special while I’m here.” by Payne Stewart.

  52. Excellent items from you, man. I’ve take into accout your stuff prior to and you’re simply too fantastic. I actually like what you have got here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way by which you are saying it. You’re making it entertaining and you still care for to stay it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful website.

  53. I wanted to jot down a simple remark in order to say thanks to you for all the remarkable tactics you are writing at this website. My considerable internet lookup has finally been rewarded with excellent facts and techniques to write about with my co-workers. I would admit that we website visitors are unquestionably blessed to live in a superb community with many perfect people with insightful advice. I feel extremely lucky to have seen the webpages and look forward to so many more pleasurable times reading here. Thanks once more for a lot of things.

  54. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So nice to seek out someone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that is wanted on the internet, somebody with slightly originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!

  55. Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

  56. I just couldn’t go away your web site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the standard information an individual supply in your guests? Is going to be back regularly in order to check out new posts.

  57. Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.

  58. This is the right weblog for anybody who desires to search out out about this topic. You notice so much its virtually hard to argue with you (not that I really would need…HaHa). You positively put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply nice!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *