Apple's U.S. Mac Shipments Fall 7.5% as Overall PC Market Plunges 14% Year-Over-Year [Updated]

[nilk]

Those who are saying Apple doesn't care about their Mac product lines anymore probably don't use a 15" Retina MacBook Pro. This is arguable the best laptop on the market right now, and part of what makes the Retina display so great is how they handled resolution scaling in OS X, so we can't give all the credit to panel manufacturers for that one. Apple is leading the pack here.

It's true that the overall market is slowing down. It's a combination of things. Computers last a lot longer before needing replacement. And we also have a wide variety of alternative computing products eating into that market (smartphones, tablets, things like Google ChromeBooks, etc). And rightly so, because many consumers no longer want to deal with the nightmare of maintaining Windows, and don't want to spend the $$$ on a MacBook they'll only use for Facebook and e-mail. The economy in general may also play a factor here.

My personal anecdote: At home, I'm still using a 2007 Mac Pro (w/ various supported and unsupported upgrades) and an early 2008 MacBook Pro (pre-unibody), and these still work fine for me, and I haven't even put SSDs in them. And I even run things like FCPX on the Mac Pro, and Ableton Live on both. For my next Mac, I'm playing a long waiting game to see Retina displays make it into more configurations (imagine an 11" MacBook w/ Retina Display). I'm going to make my Mac Pro last as long as I can, hopefully with hacks to get future versions of OS X running (ML runs fine despite being unsupported), an SSD upgrade at some point, maybe even another unsupported graphics card upgrade.

I'm even considering buying a $250 Chromebook to have something portable to kick around while I wait for an 11" Retina MacBook.

 

[Carouser]

I never realized that not that many people buy computers.. only 1400 macs are bought per quarter... huh~

As the table says, it's in thousands of units, so 1,400,000 bought every quarter. That's almost 1400 every month from every store.

 

[Rodster]

Blame it on the iPad.

 

[Mystic386]

Distributed Units = further weak data

7.5% Apple drop in distributed units. This is when they had stock delivery problems. Although I accept there would still be a drop. You can bet most distributed units were sold.

With the drop in PC sales it's much worse as distributed units means units sent to stores and in the past there has always been a slower sale rate with stock sitting and then being discounted. The % distribution for PC's means an even bigger drop in sales. IMHO.

 

[RenoG]

It should have lowered the price of the computer, not raised it.

You ain't never lied...But you know the drill. They may have taken out the drive but what they added inflates the price greater than......

 

[Michael Scrip]

Probably because Apple has priced the iMacs out of their original market.

When I bought my mid-2010 iMac, it came with a 7200rpm drive for $1199. Now they come with a slower 5400rpm drive for $1299. If I want to be more modern with better tech, I'd need an SSD (let's face it, computers should come with SSD's standard - especially the iMacs), and that runs an extra $250 bringing a modern base model to $1549. That's $350 more than I used to pay. I thought you were suppose to get more tech for the same price.

What processor came with the 2010 iMac? Which video card? How much RAM came standard on the 2010 iMac?

Comparing only hard drive spindle speed is a narrow view.

I'd be willing to bet that today's "slower" 5400RPM drive is actually faster overall due to higher platter density. And that's before you consider new tech like the Fusion Drive.

In other words... the 2012 iMac is a MUCH improved computer compared to the 2010 iMac. You'll love it.

 

[Carouser]

In other words... the 2012 iMac is a MUCH improved computer compared to the 2010 iMac. You'll love it.

Or to put it another way, he definitely has gotten more tech for his money than ever before - he got an awful lot of tech the first time around if he thinks his Mac still can't be improved upon by what's in the market, years later.

 

[MagnusVonMagnum]

I guess I'm a computer nerd or something (I've had one since the Commodore Vic 20 around '81 and then a C64 and then Amiga, PC and finally Mac), but I don't really "get" why people would want to replace a desktop with a pad running a weaker version of the operating system and closed software. Yes, my iPod Touch is very handy (i.e. I can listen to music at work and get on the Net in the occasional WiFi spot where I wouldn't be able to otherwise since it fits in my pocket, etc.), but like someone on here said, the idea of replacing a full blow computer with a 24+" screen, keyboard and mouse that can can access data and utilize it MUCH FASTER and play much BETTER and BIGGER games is just beyond me.

My finger hurts after just playing Bejeweled and Angry Birds for a couple of hours on my iPod Touch on a plane or whatever. I can't imagine trying to type on that thing or even an iPad without a real keyboard. But I guess we're in the age of "LOL, BRB, WTF, etc." and many of today's kids can't write properly, let alone type properly so they must find touch and go simpler (particularly when they grew up texting in class, etc.) and simply have no conception of larger computing and gaming.

I just read about kids today not even watching TV except on a computer or tablet and therefore the broadcast industry is concerned about future viewership. I can understand wanting to get away from high-priced cable/satellite, but supposedly they don't even bother to hook up an antenna to get free OTA broadcast. I'd at least want the OPTION of watching network TV even if I didn't use it much.

In short, I think we're dealing with a whole new breed of smart phone using hippies...er...hipsters. Personally, I've never sent a SMS text message (can you say RIP-OFF, even as a unlimited package?) and I don't talk much on my cell phone either. I do spend a lot of time online, though and love a good RPG game (which haven't been so great on touch devices, IMO). Frankly, I don't see this trend as "better" than a traditional computer at all, save the convenience of having the Internet in your pocket (which does NOT apply to a tablet; I'd much rather have a Macbook AIR by FAR than an iPad, for example). I'm still in my 30s so it's quite a quantum shift in a short period of time, IMO.

 

[Gym Hellwig]

I haven't read all 10 pages, but I assume "PC" includes laptops as well, right?

If so, why is everyone only talking about the imac?

 

[Rogifan]

It's simpler than that.

There is more and better competition than when Jobs was here. They are still executing on Steve's product release plans. 2 or 3 years to go still. Then you can start to blame Tim.

Ah, so Jobs wasn't that great, he just looked good because Apple had no competition?

 

[Arfdog]

I think the new iMacs have been a huge disappointment. Removing the useful DVD slot to create the useless "illusion" of thinness wasn't worth it. And the ongoing unavailability of a matte screen has kept a significant chunk of the professional graphic design market looking elsewhere.

Desktop computers should be getting smaller. If Apple had your limited mindset, we wouldn't have any AIO desktops. The point of an AIO is make everything smaller and more efficient so you can fit in things people really want.... big screen, big speakers, big CPU, big GPU, big HD. I have the feeling you don't get the point of efficient design.

Or do you want your desktop sprawled all over your desk like a 1960's mini computer? Yeah that's progress.

A matte screen? Are you serious? Yeah if that keeps someone from buying an imac, they weren't going to buy one anyway.

 

[mrxak]

No, it's par for the course.

That is a fantastic link. I'll have to bookmark it.

And yeah, it's par for the course. That doesn't mean it's not forever premature .

 

[bawbac]

Desktop computers should be getting smaller. If Apple had your limited mindset, we wouldn't have any AIO desktops. The point of an AIO is make everything smaller and more efficient so you can fit in things people really want.... big screen, big speakers, big CPU, big GPU, big HD. I have the feeling you don't get the point of efficient design.

Or do you want your desktop sprawled all over your desk like a 1960's mini computer? Yeah that's progress.

A matte screen? Are you serious? Yeah if that keeps someone from buying an imac, they weren't going to buy one anyway.

Cramming high tech components in a thin package that retains and emits tremendous heat is not progress, it's an illusion and gimmick for show and tell when people come over.

 

[everything-i]

The main reason is planned OS and app obsolescence. Apps and OS makers make it so the new versions of their software don't last forever and need upgrading. And this requires more and more hardware hence the hardware upgrade cycle. The best example of this is the iOS world. Wait long enough and you can't buy a single app from the app store. Cause they all want an OS version what won't run on your iOS device anymore.

Quite true but my point is that in the PC market place there is really no reason to upgrade for many people as Windows upgrades have started to become irrelevant as so many people are staying with old versions that software developers are forced to make their apps backward comparable and software has in no way kept pace with the rapid development of hardware. iDevices are a slightly different matter at the moment as they are still relatively immature. However even now we are starting to see new devices that for the vast majority have no real value over their predecessor. After all an iPhone 4 will still run everything in the app store and that is nearly 3 generations old now.

 

[alfistas]

I guess I'm a computer nerd or something (I've had one since the Commodore Vic 20 around '81 and then a C64 and then Amiga, PC and finally Mac), but I don't really "get" why people would want to replace a desktop with a pad running a weaker version of the operating system and closed software. Yes, my iPod Touch is very handy (i.e. I can listen to music at work and get on the Net in the occasional WiFi spot where I wouldn't be able to otherwise since it fits in my pocket, etc.), but like someone on here said, the idea of replacing a full blow computer with a 24+" screen, keyboard and mouse that can can access data and utilize it MUCH FASTER and play much BETTER and BIGGER games is just beyond me.

My finger hurts after just playing Bejeweled and Angry Birds for a couple of hours on my iPod Touch on a plane or whatever. I can't imagine trying to type on that thing or even an iPad without a real keyboard. But I guess we're in the age of "LOL, BRB, WTF, etc." and many of today's kids can't write properly, let alone type properly so they must find touch and go simpler (particularly when they grew up texting in class, etc.) and simply have no conception of larger computing and gaming.

I just read about kids today not even watching TV except on a computer or tablet and therefore the broadcast industry is concerned about future viewership. I can understand wanting to get away from high-priced cable/satellite, but supposedly they don't even bother to hook up an antenna to get free OTA broadcast. I'd at least want the OPTION of watching network TV even if I didn't use it much.

In short, I think we're dealing with a whole new breed of smart phone using hippies...er...hipsters. Personally, I've never sent a SMS text message (can you say RIP-OFF, even as a unlimited package?) and I don't talk much on my cell phone either. I do spend a lot of time online, though and love a good RPG game (which haven't been so great on touch devices, IMO). Frankly, I don't see this trend as "better" than a traditional computer at all, save the convenience of having the Internet in your pocket (which does NOT apply to a tablet; I'd much rather have a Macbook AIR by FAR than an iPad, for example). I'm still in my 30s so it's quite a quantum shift in a short period of time, IMO.

Lets face it... You're a dinosaur!

I'm 31, my first computer was an Amstrad CPC464 followed by a few Amigas like the 500, 1200 and 4000 and after that I've enjoyed a beautiful mixture of macs and home built PCs...

I think the lack of innovation is what is causing the decline of the classic PC industry. The PC seems to only evolve in terms of performance and even that cannot exactly be described as evolution. My 5 year old 4-Core cpu is a lot slower than the best 4-Core on the market today. OBVIOUSLY! Yet it still manages to handle every task I throw at it without even a hint of struggle. Why would I need to upgrade? Most importantly, where are the 48-Core Cpus we were promised 5 years ago??? Lack of competition in this technology segment has caused development to stall.

On the Software side things are even worse! Gaming aside, there have been no significant improvements to software applications since the early 90s. Obviously applications have become more powerful and capable over the years but that is merely evolutionary development. What exactly is going on at Microsoft? Windows 7 is an amazing OS if you consider Windows 95 to be the epitome of OS design... Windows 8 seems to be a step towards the right direction but is still unpolished AND it's clearly designed for touchscreen PCs which most of us don't have! Where are the Smart AI capable computers we were promised? The "digital assistant"? (I remember using Prody Parrot in 1998...) The keyboard-less interaction? The 3D UI? Where are all the amazing innovations we were shown in tech demos and the media all those years ago??

 

[gnasher729]

But IDC ANALysts are right?

Gartner is always right, IDC is always wrong.
Or Gartner is always wrong, IDC is always right.

Depends on which numbers everyone prefers

Seriously, would be interesting going to back predictions and checking how accurate they were. IDC _always_ gives lower growth estimates than Gartner, so one of them _must_ correct their numbers.

 

[AidenShaw]

Here's my 2p

...probably hit the makers of mid priced badly designed corporate fodder like Dell the hardest...

Dell's corporate stuff is well designed, even if you might think that it's badly styled.

Does anything from Apple come standard with a 3 year on-site next business day warranty?

 

[bawbac]

Dell's corporate stuff is well designed, even if you might think that it's badly styled.

Does anything from Apple come standard with a 3 year on-site next business day warranty?

You don't see Apple computers being used for mission critical 911/public safety dispatch systems. They typically use Dell.
That should say something.

 

[Rogifan]

Gartner is always right, IDC is always wrong.
Or Gartner is always wrong, IDC is always right.

Depends on which numbers everyone prefers

Seriously, would be interesting going to back predictions and checking how accurate they were. IDC _always_ gives lower growth estimates than Gartner, so one of them _must_ correct their numbers.

As far as I'm concerned I don't believe any of them. We'll know soon enough when Apple reports their numbers.

 

[twoodcc]

tablets and smartphones are succeeding. but they haven't totally replaced the same functionality to me anyways

 

[MagnusVonMagnum]

Windows 7 is an amazing OS if you consider Windows 95 to be the epitome of OS design... Windows 8 seems to be a step towards the right direction but is still unpolished AND it's clearly designed for touchscreen PCs which most of us don't have! Where are the Smart AI capable computers we were promised? The "digital assistant"? (I remember using Prody Parrot in 1998...) The keyboard-less interaction? The 3D UI? Where are all the amazing innovations we were shown in tech demos and the media all those years ago??

I do know one thing about OS design and that is my 60-something mother CANNOT use a computer to save her life. She had a PC my brother got her and it constantly needed updating and rebooted itself, virus checks, etc. and it confused the heck out of her to do just about anything. So I thought I'd get her a Mac since they're so much easier to use and didn't have viruses and so didn't need virus checkers, etc. It wouldn't need updating all the time and I thought she'd be able to handle the interface better than Windows.

Well, maybe it worked a LITTLE better than the Windows machine, but she STILL gets frustrated as all hell with the thing and I simply CANNOT and I mean CANNOT get across the basics of moving and resizing windows. We'll try to play Scrabble on Pogo together and Safari complains that it cannot find an up-to-date Java. I walk her step-by-step re-installing it and it works...for one day. The next time she loads Scrabble it gives the same stinking error message and I have no clue what is different than on my Mac. She has a 2012 Macbook and I have a 2012 Mac Mini and both run the same OSX verison, etc. Mine gave that error ONE time and a re-install made it disappear. I had her follow the same steps and hers complains EVERY SINGLE TIME she starts Safari and Pogo.com. So much for Macs "just working". I can give no excuse for this behavior. Java + Apple = DISASTER.

So she wants to bring up the 2-letter word window, but it's blocked by the main windows always covering it up (smallish 13" screen after all). I've explained AGAIN and AGAIN how to re-size a window. I've demonstrated it over and over again. She CANNOT do it. She screws it up EVERY TIME. She suddenly just disappears from the Scrabble table and swears she didn't close her window, but it says she left. She gets a spinning ball of death (busy pointer) on her side that never goes away. She's practically screaming she didn't do anything, but I know she did because resizing a window doesn't cause a spinning ball of death. I've seen her think the "white area" on the screen is the edge of the window when it's just the edges of the Java game within a browser window. She cannot even tell the window edge from a browser page. I suggest maybe she clicked the back button and she yells back over Skype that she's using the trackpad so there's no way she pushed any "back button" on the keyboard (face palm).

I could go on and on. As easy as a Mac is to use for me, it's obviously NOT EASY AT ALL for the computer illiterate. I can figure out almost any GUI in a short matter of time just by playing with it. People like my mother cannot figure out how to start a microwave without reading the instruction manual first. I cannot relate to this mindset. I cannot stand to even try to teach her how to use the thing anymore. I hung up on Skype today because she was screaming about it and wondering why she even bothers to get on the computer because she's so stupid (her words). I can't take it. That Mac was a $1200 waste of money. I wouldn't be surprised if she smashed it or something when I hung up in the middle of her ranting and raving (I never even got one turn in Scrabble because she "left" by trying to resize her Window and screwed it up). I will never play her Scrabble again. It's too frustrating. It takes me 2 second to resize the window to fit the board and avoid the advertising. She couldn't do it in two years without screwing it up. I've had to talk her through putting Skype into share screen mode so I can WTF she's raving and ranting about because she can't even describe what's going on (it comes across as total nonsense and it IS total nonsense like with the browser white space thing versus the real window edge). I have to repeat myself again and again and she cannot remember a single thing I tell her the next day and does the same crap all over again. She's not a stupid person. She simply cannot think in terms of how computer operating systems function (she can type even from the old days using a real typewriter so you'd think she'd be one step ahead...but no). She's not the only one from what I've seen. Most people in her age range don't comprehend computers at all. It's the same type of mindset and person who could not set their VCR clock many years ago (or their car clock now). It's just too "complicated" for them. It's kind of sad really. I made an entire album with Logic Pro. This kind of person would never get it to make a single sound.

So whatever they're doing to make computers more easy to work with, it's obviously not nearly enough for some people. I got her an iPod Touch a couple of years ago and set her living room up with an Airport Express and speaker system with all her music on her computer upstairs serving it. She cannot work it for a darn. Simple things like pressing the speaker icon to send the audio to the room in question....no matter how many times I show her how to do this she cannot remember that icon means the speaker output options and if the computer (PC in this case) reset itself, it would default back to the computer instead and that was just beyond her to even think of such a thing as checking the output settings again. She would hold the standby button and turn the iPod Touch off completely (even though I had it plugged in by the couch so the battery would not be an issue). She confused "Remote" with "Music" all the time since they look the same. She has a HORRIBLE time trying to press the little buttons on the screen for some reason and typing is out of the question with those little buttons (I even had trouble for some time until I adapted). So NO, iOS isn't any easier for her.

I've arrived at the conclusion that until they make a computer that can understand conversational English like in Star Trek or something, there will be people that cannot function with computers. Sadly, the world is going to the point where you HAVE to be able to do things online or you cannot do them at all or have to hire someone to do it for you. If the power grid ever went out for an extended period I think we'd all be doomed....

 

[Arfdog]

Cramming high tech components in a thin package that retains and emits tremendous heat is not progress, it's an illusion and gimmick for show and tell when people come over.

You're right. In a Windows PC that's a problem. Not in an iMac. Lol, that's your newbie lack of experience talking. Even the 27 imac is barely warmer than room temperature while watching a movie. Not to mention dead quiet. Not to mention as thin and lightweight as the best monitors.

 

[tom vilsack]

Be interested to see the growth or lack thereof "chromebooks"

 

[Arfdog]

So NO, iOS isn't any easier for her.

I've arrived at the conclusion that until they make a computer that can understand conversational English like in Star Trek or something, there will be people that cannot function with computers. Sadly, the world is going to the point where you HAVE to be able to do things online or you cannot do them at all or have to hire someone to do it for you. If the power grid ever went out for an extended period I think we'd all be doomed....

So you're wondering why someone, who is completely clueless about all computers, cannot use a Mac or iOS? Ok.

That's like wondering why can't someone drive an automatic.... when they don't know how to drive anything?? OMG why can't you drive even though I know you can't drive??

 

[SanJacinto]

A macintosh IS a PC. PC only means personal computer. A mac is definitely a personal computer...

I know and I didn't mention anything like "a Mac is not a PC".
Is this bean counting?

The user Lancer asked if the sales grew by x%, and my post was about IDC's numbers where the sales declined. So I said "No, Mac sales declined".The crucial word is declined and not Mac.
By the time of writing I didn't noticed the updated Gartner numbers.

In a post somewhere above I say that I didn't saw the updated numbers and that Lancer post about "growing sales" is right .

Whatever, guys this "PC Mac" thing is ridiculous. I don't have the passion to answer in the exact same words as the author of a regarding post when it comes to the words Mac or PC.

My post was about numbers and that's obvious by reading carefully.