Why are PC shipments expected to decline in 2026?

PC shipments are projected to decline in 2026 due to intensifying component shortages, particularly in memory and storage, leading to a significant surge in their prices.

How will rising component costs affect budget computers?

Budget computers priced below $500 are expected to see the steepest decline in shipments, with an anticipated drop of 28%, as they have less flexibility to absorb increased manufacturing costs.

What is the projected impact on the overall PC market in 2026?

The global PC market is facing a challenging year in 2026, with overall shipments predicted to decrease by 12% as shortages and rising costs influence production and pricing strategies.

Home / Business and Economy / PC Shipments Plummet Amid Soaring Component Costs

PC Shipments Plummet Amid Soaring Component Costs

16 Mar

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Summary

Global PC shipments projected to fall by 12% in 2026.
Memory and storage costs expected to surge by 60% in Q1 2026.
Budget computers under $500 to see a 28% shipment decline.

PC Shipments Plummet Amid Soaring Component Costs

Global PC shipments are projected to fall by 12% to around 245 million units in 2026, as critical component shortages intensify. Research indicates a significant surge of at least 60% in memory and storage prices during the first quarter of 2026, compelling vendors to revise their PC strategies and configurations. This price increase has already added between $90 and $165 to mainstream memory and storage costs since early 2025.

Budget computers, specifically those priced below $500, are expected to bear the brunt of this downturn, with shipments anticipated to drop by 28% to approximately 62.1 million units. Analysts note that this segment has limited flexibility to absorb rising costs, making it more vulnerable to demand reduction. Conversely, higher-priced systems exceeding $900 appear more resilient, as consumers and IT decision-makers may accept elevated price points for essential needs.