Full Breakdown
Global PC Shipments Plunge Over 20% in Q3 2026 Amid Rising Component Costs
By Drooid · · How we work
PC Shipments Collapse in Q3 2026
Research firms report a sharp contraction in worldwide PC shipments during the third quarter of 2026. IDC estimates a 20.1 % year-over-year decline to 62.7 million units, while Omdia records a 21.2 % drop to 58.1 million units. Both firms agree the market has moved from already weak to considerably worse, breaking the usual seasonal pattern in which Q3 outpaces Q2.
Drivers Behind the Slump
The downturn follows a surge in memory and storage prices driven by AI-intensive workloads, which have pushed DRAM and SSD costs to nearly 40 % of a PC’s bill of materials—up from roughly 15 % previously. Manufacturers and corporate buyers rushed to place orders earlier in the year to avoid anticipated price hikes, creating a sizable inventory surplus that now suppresses demand. Shortages of processors, graphics cards, and other integrated circuits further exacerbate the situation.
Vendor Performance and Market-Share Shifts
All major vendors posted double-digit declines. IDC data show HP’s shipments fell 30.9 % to 10.3 million units, Dell dropped 25 % to 7.6 million, and Lenovo’s volume decreased 22.6 % to 14.9 million, though it remains the largest vendor. Apple’s decline was milder at 11 % (IDC) or 6.8 million units (Omdia), allowing the company to increase its market share despite lower volume. Asus and other premium brands also saw smaller falls, helping them gain modest share gains.
Outlook and Pricing Pressure
Both IDC and Omdia project further year-on-year declines of roughly 24 % in Q4 2026 and an additional 7 % across 2027, suggesting limited short-term relief for consumers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we're seeing is the result of the strong first half pull-in,” — Jitesh Ubrani, IDC research director
- “Channels are now worried about carrying too much inventory into a market where high prices are suppressing demand,” — Jitesh Ubrani, IDC research director