IDC has released its latest report on PC sales during Q2 2015, with an estimated 66.1 million units shipped during the four month period. As such, it represents a year-on-year decline of roughly 11.8% based on the shipment numbers posted last year. According to IDC's projections, it's roughly 1% lower than the figures they expected to be posted in Q2 2015.

As far as factors influencing this decline, IDC cited the end of support for Windows XP as one of the key factors. Another factor is the shrinking of shipments through distribution channels, as the ICT sector at large waits for the release of Windows 10 on 29 July this this. Furthermore, fluctuating exchange rates for foreign countries resulted in increased PC prices, thus negatively impacting their uptake in many markets.

"Although the second quarter decline in PC shipments was significant, and slightly more than expected, the overall trend fits with expectations," said Loren Loverde, vice president, Worldwide PC Trackers & Forecasting. "We continue to expect low to mid-single digit declines in volume during the second half of the year with volume stabilising in future years. We're expecting the Windows 10 launch to go relatively well, though many users will opt for a free OS upgrade rather than buying a new PC," concludes Loverde.