EAGLE EYE – BI
AI laptops
AI-enabled devices have taken the channel by storm. The latest next-generation laptops feature dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) designed specifically to handle AI workloads locally, unlocking new Windows features such as real-time translation, AI-assisted creativity tools and advanced system search, leading to an 8.21% growth in searches on the Stock in the Channel platform.
Instead of relying on the cloud, Copilot+ PCs run many AI tasks directly on the device, improving speed, privacy and battery efficiency. At the heart of this is the NPU itself. To qualify as a Copilot+ PC, a laptop must include an NPU capable of at least 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS), as well as have at least 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage. Early models were powered primarily by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors, which deliver around 45 TOPS of AI performance, enabling AI features such as Windows Studio Effects, generative tools in apps like Paint, and on-device AI acceleration in software like Adobe applications. Major vendors quickly joined the category, with Copilot+ laptops appearing across product lines
from Microsoft, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer and Samsung. Looking ahead, Copilot+ PCs signal a broader shift in the laptop market: AI capability is becoming a core hardware requirement, not just a software add-on. As chipmakers expand NPU performance and more applications tap into on-device AI acceleration, these systems are likely to define the next upgrade cycle in the channel. Vendors that combine powerful NPUs with long battery life, lightweight designs and strong AI software ecosystems will be best positioned to capture demand as businesses and consumers begin treating AI-ready laptops as the new standard.
Wickus Bester B2B Statistical analyst
stockinthechannel.co.uk
8.22%
6.05%
AI Laptops Dec 25 to Feb 26
34.51%
7.55%
Top performing brands (by total searches) Data is indicative of the lines listed on Stock in the Channel
Brand
Microsoft ASUS Samsung Acer
Lenovo HP Apple DELL
15.07%
For more market intelligence on AI laptops or any other IT category email: BI@stockinthechannel.com
15.65%
19.16%
60
Powered by FlippingBook