Global PC Shipments Set to Crash 11.3% as Component Prices Skyrocket
Global PC shipments are projected to decline by 11.3% in 2026, with a severe 20% year over year drop expected in the fourth quarter. This slump is primarily driven by a massive global memory shortage, as AI datacenters consume 70% of high-end DRAM production and push average PC prices up by 17%. Although Apple's budget-friendly MacBook Neo is applying competitive pressure and forcing Windows OEMs to release affordable alternatives, experts warn that component shortages will keep prices elevated until at least 2027.