Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
Acer - statistics & facts
With the introduction of PCs designed with artificial intelligence (AI) in mind, Acer believes that it can turn around its fortunes following a difficult period for the industry. The company competes in a PC market that recorded a 15 percent decline in shipments in 2023, a result of going through a period of inventory rebalance and a difficult economic climate. But now, as the global economy recovers, Acer can place its hope in new PCs capable of handling AI on-device, reigniting demand for its hardware. In May 2024, the company announced its first Copilot+ PC, a Windows PC featuring enhanced AI processing capabilities, in collaboration with Microsoft and Qualcomm.
Acer’s business is centered around PCs and computer peripherals
Acer’s product and service offering includes notebook PCs, desktop PCs, monitors, projectors, peripherals, gaming and eSports platforms, and servers, in addition to a variety of AI, cloud, and smart city solutions. Acer’s largest business segment is the PC segment, with notebook PC sales accounting for a sizeable proportion of revenues generated by the company. On a regional level, most of Acer's revenue is generated across the United States and the Asia Pacific region in territories such as Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China.Tough competition in the PC market
In 2023, the market leader in the global PC market was Lenovo, with a market share of around 25 percent. HP came in second with a 22 percent share, while Acer held sixth place with a share of just over six percent, below the likes of Dell, Apple, and fellow Taiwanese vendor Asus. When looking at the Chromebook market, Acer competes once more with the above vendors, excluding Apple, and has often performed strongly in this specific market, ranking as the leading vendor.Positioning for the age of AI computing
In today's tech landscape, adaptability is key for manufacturers like Acer. Companies must listen closely to user needs, whether it is everyday tasks for casual users or advanced performance for PC gaming enthusiasts. As AI applications continue to be rolled out, its impact on computing power will be undeniable. To stay ahead, Acer will need to offer devices that can handle AI workloads, both by leveraging cloud processing and through powerful on-device hardware. As a result, a focus on AI-ready machines will be a major selling point for future customers.
