Like a headline‑grabbing celebrity proposal, AI‑powered PCs are the “it couple” of the year – well, in the technology world, at least. They combine the productivity of personal computers with the intelligence and efficiency of AI. But this isn’t just a trend; it’s a marriage that touches infrastructure, device refresh cycles and business models and it’s why the entire channel, including TD SYNNEX, is leaning in to capitalize on the opportunity.
From Concept to Reality
TD SYNNEX’s latest Newsroom stories show how quickly AI PCs are moving from buzzword to business driver. In “The Future of the AI PC is Now,” leaders note that major OEMs, processor manufacturers and operating‑system providers are racing to deliver AI‑capable models, raising questions such as what AI PCs are, which chips power them, and why they matter to users and partners. Another piece, “Pushing Boundaries in the PC Industry with AI Technology,” drills deeper with Qualcomm and TD SYNNEX leaders, highlighting how next‑generation neural processing units (NPUs) boost AI PC performance, along with all the key benefits these devices offer over traditional PCs.
This pace of change is already reflected in our own forecasts. In the “Mid‑Year Check‑In on Our 2025 Predictions,” TD SYNNEX leaders say an AI PC device refresh super‑cycle is emerging and will redefine edge computing. Even if enterprise adoption lags analyst expectations, the intersection of AI, edge and cloud technologies is already creating new growth paths for partners.
Industry analysts agree. Gartner projects AI-capable PCs to account for 31% of global shipments in 2025, climbing to 55% by 2026. By 2029, AI PCs are predicted to become the norm. Canalys forecasts shipments topping 100 million units in 2025 and soaring to 205 million by 2028, driven by personalization, efficiency, and premium value. Together, these projections show the AI PC is a generational shift that will reshape partner strategies worldwide.
Why A Device Strategy Shift Matters
To unlock the AI PC opportunity partners need to sell more than just a smarter laptop. The channel needs a smarter strategy.
Ed Morales, vice president of high-growth strategic business enablement for North America at TD SYNNEX, reminds us that AI isn’t just about software, saying, you “can’t put a jet engine on a paper airplane”. That’s why TD SYNNEX developed a global Destination AI™ framework helps partners, no matter where they are in their AI journey. It categorizes partners by readiness and uses a Solution Grid to align AI solutions with technical complexity. This guidance is essential because many partners feel overwhelmed by generative‑AI hype and assume they need deep technical expertise.
The market is already validating this approach. HP reports that AI PCs now make up over 25% of its product mix, fueling double-digit revenue growth. At the same time, Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs, powered by local NPUs, are gaining traction as enterprises prepare to refresh aging Windows 10 fleets. These examples underscore how AI PCs are a new wave of productivity and performance that favors proactive partners
However, innovation stalls without proper financing. In “Financing Innovation: How Smart Capital Strategies Drive Growth in AI and Security Technology,” it’s clear that macroeconomic pressures have made CFO’s cautious, even as AI and cybersecurity solutions are rapidly evolving. TD SYNNEX Capital payment structures help bridge the gap between capital preservation with urgent innovation and lets organizations deploy AI hardware and security without large upfront costs, align payments with usage, and maximize new tax incentives. In short, smart capital becomes a strategic lever and competitive advantage, not a back‑office tactic.
What’s Next for the Channel
Brandon Lieberthal, vice president of PC systems, printer and supplies in Europe, calls the AI PC market a “huge opportunity for the channel”. These devices will transform how we work, with AI functions running locally for speed, efficiency and privacy. Success hinges on more than hardware and selling devices. Partners must proactively lead with readiness assessments, ensure secure and scalable infrastructure, and leverage flexible financing options to accelerate adoption. Programs like Destination AI and TD SYNNEX Capital, alongside our relationships with leading OEMs and chipmakers, give partners a roadmap to navigate the AI PC era.
Just as a headline‑making engagement can spark fresh conversations, the marriage of AI and PCs signals a turning point for our industry. By investing in the right foundations, skills, infrastructure, security and smart capital, our partners can turn today’s momentum into tomorrow’s competitive edge.
