In India, PC prices are rising at an alarming rate, having already increased by more than 10% year over year. IDC forecasts that they could rise an additional 15% to 20% in the coming quarters. Imagine a customer still waiting for budget approval for a PC upgrade, only to face the added question: should the new devices be AI PCs for business?
This situation places Indian partners in a difficult position. Prices are increasing, budget approvals are delayed, and the "AI" label on products complicates the quotation approval process.
Why This PC Upgrade Cycle Feels Different
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft discontinued updates for Windows 10. Since then, every computer running Windows 10 has become somewhat of a liability. Many IT leaders are aware of this risk, but few have the budget to address all issues in one go.
Adding to this challenge is the push for AI features. Gartner estimates that AI-based PCs will make up 55% of all PC shipments worldwide by 2026. This prediction was made before this year's price increases, so while it's a trend rather than a guarantee, it is clear that AI capabilities are becoming the new standard, whether customers request them or not. As a result, the refresh process now involves two main considerations: compliance and AI functionality. Partners who blur these distinctions tend to confuse customers, which can delay sales.
Buyers Are Rushing, and That Has a Cost
This year, commercial demand in India has been strong; however, IDC notes that much of this demand stems from forward buying. Enterprises and SMBs are ordering more quickly to avoid price hikes, rather than because they are fully prepared for the transition to AI technologies.
While this may seem beneficial for business on paper, it could lead to challenges in the next quarter. Orders pulled forward today won't double up tomorrow, and IDC expects commercial momentum to flatten in the latter half of the year.
What Counts as an AI PC for Business?
Customers often find this point to be confusing. IDC reports that AI notebook sales in India grew a staggering 129.3% in 2025. However, 86.6% of these sales consisted of basic AI notebooks, primarily driven by enterprise demand and promotional offers.
When a finance head claims, "We already bought AI PCs," it's important to clarify what exactly was purchased. Overselling can lead to a loss of trust, while underselling may result in customers being stuck with inadequate machines for years.
Four Questions Partners Encounter Right Now
Ready or Not? Sorting Your Customers
Consider three categories of customers:
Size also matters. Small and medium-sized businesses can often integrate AI-capable laptops into regular refresh cycles, while larger organizations typically prefer to run pilot programs first. Given IDC's cautious outlook for India in 2026, this honesty is crucial.
Where Redington Online Fits In
Rapidly changing prices penalize slow sourcing. A customer ready to buy won't wait for a partner to chase quotes across suppliers.
With Redington Online, you can source products quickly and easily. You receive faster quotes, clear pricing, and stock availability from all leading brands in one place. Our customer support team is also available to recommend the best devices based on customer needs, whether for a standard refresh or a pilot of AI PCs for business.
So, are Indian businesses ready to upgrade in 2026? The answer is increasingly yes. AI PCs are becoming integral to real refresh plans, rather than just a feature in vendor presentations.
However, customer readiness varies. Higher prices and limited availability prompt some to make purchases, while others opt for pilots. Partners who provide clear guidance and quick quotes will cater to both groups effectively.
Explore AI PCs on Redington Online