Computer Sales Plummet, Traders Face Worsening Prospects in 2026
The global personal computer (PC) market in 2026 is estimated to worsen. The technology research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has cut its forecast for worldwide PC shipments due to memory crises and persistent supply chain disruptions.
In its latest Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker report, IDC predicts global PC shipments will decline by 11.3% in 2026. This figure is significantly worse than the previous forecast, which had projected only a 2.4% decline.
Not only PCs, but the tablet market is also expected to weaken. Global tablet shipments are predicted to fall 7.6% throughout the year.
IDC explains that the weakness is triggered by a combination of memory scarcity, rising component prices, and supply limitations estimated to constrain device production until at least 2027.
Additionally, the geopolitical situation is adding to market uncertainty. When this forecast was compiled, the conflict in the Middle East had not yet escalated as it has since. The escalation of this conflict is considered likely to add new pressure on the global technology industry.
IDC Group Vice President for Devices and Consumer, Ryan Reith, stated that various industrial and geopolitical pressures are causing the technology sector to face major disruptions that are difficult to control.
“The technology industry as a whole, along with many other sectors, continues to face external pressures that are difficult to manage. If these various factors occur simultaneously, the impact could result in major disruptions,” said Reith in the report cited from IDC’s official website on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
According to him, the growing list of industrial and geopolitical crises makes business decision-making increasingly complex and even threatens the continuity of some sectors. The uncertainty about when these pressures will ease makes this problem a trillion-dollar issue for the global industry.
Nevertheless, the value of the computing device market is estimated to still increase due to rising average selling prices (ASP).
IDC projects the global PC market value will still grow 1.6% to US$274 billion in 2026, while the tablet market is estimated to rise 3.9% to US$66.8 billion.
IDC Research Manager for Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, Jitesh Ubrani, stated that the era of cheap PCs and tablets may have temporarily ended.
“The era of cheap PCs and tablets has temporarily ended, as rising ASP and component costs have changed the market balance,” he said.
He believes memory scarcity is estimated to last until 2027. Although component prices are predicted to start declining in 2028, the market is not expected to return to the cheap price levels seen in 2025.
Looking ahead, device manufacturers are estimated to focus more on strengthening supply chain resilience, seeking more flexible component sources, and adjusting device specifications to reduce production costs.
This dynamic is expected to influence the rate of device adoption by users in the coming years.