Global PC shipments experienced a significant downturn in Q3 2026, marking the sharpest decline since the first quarter of 2023. According to Omdia, worldwide shipments of laptops, desktops, and workstations reached 58.1 million units, a 21.2% decrease year over year. IDC reported a similar trend with 62.7 million units shipped, representing a 20.1% drop.
The decline in shipments is attributed to the high demand for memory chips from the artificial intelligence sector. Data centers training and running AI models have absorbed the supply of DRAM and NAND, which are essential for PC production. Consequently, the prices for these memory components have increased to more than four times their previous levels.
Memory components now account for nearly 40% of a typical PC's bill of materials, compared to approximately 15% in the past. This shift in cost structure limits the potential for price reductions in the consumer market. Additionally, early purchasing in the first half of 2026, driven by anticipated price hikes, disrupted normal seasonal demand patterns.
Looking ahead, analysts project further instability in the PC market. Omdia forecasts a 24% year-over-year decline in shipments for Q4 2026. The firm also expects a 7% decrease in total shipments throughout 2027 as AI demand continues to influence the availability and cost of critical hardware components.
