New data shows that Chromebook laptops outperformed Mac computers for the first time in an entire year in 2020, a year driven largely by commercial demand for light, powerful and affordable personal computers. Data from IDC (via GeekWire) shows that Windows continues to dominate the market, although its share dropped over the year, when Chrome OS overtook macOS and came in second.
For the full year, Windows’ market share fell 4.9% in 2020 compared to 2019, while the Mac grew from 6.7% to 7.5%. IDC data includes collective information about desktops, laptops and workstations and does not provide details for different types of specific products. It is important to note, however, that Chrome OS includes products made by Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo.
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Demand for personal computers soared in 2020, largely thanks to the move to work and learn at home. Market data estimates that in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Mac grew about 30% over the same quarter last year. Compared to other manufacturers, Apple had the most significant year-on-year growth in the quarter.
In addition to market changes due to changes in work and school patterns, the fourth quarter of 2020 also notably saw Apple launch its first Apple silicon Macs, which were very well received.