Google is bringing Android apps to Chrome OS to make its Chromebooks an even more attractive option for laptop buyers, but it turns out they’re already doing pretty well. For the first time ever, Chromebooks are now outselling Macs in the U.S.
In recent years, Macs have somehow thrived as PC sales decline around the world — but Apple isn’t the only one who can brag now. During the first quarter of 2016, shipments of Chrome OS devices overtook Macs in the U.S., according to the latest data from IDC.
That’s thanks mostly to schools, which are buying Chromebooks by the bucket load because they’re super affordable, and incredibly easy to use and maintain — unlike iPads, which are pricey, require additional software, and need to be updated every so often.
Dell, HP, and Lenovo shipped almost 2 million Chromebooks combined in the U.S. last quarter, according to IDC estimates, while Apple shipped just 1.76 million Macs. However, it’s unclear how many Chromebooks were shipped in other markets, since IDC focused solely on the U.S.
IDC expects Chromebooks to continue selling well in the coming months thanks to an uptick in sales in the U.S., and Google’s decision to add the Google Play Store and full Android app support is only going to provide a bigger boost.
Via: The Verge