Global PC Market in 2026 Predicted to Decline Sharply

Market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has revised its projection for the global personal computer market in 2026. In its latest “Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker” report, IDC now estimates that global PC shipments will decline by 11.3 per cent in 2026.

This figure represents a significantly sharper contraction than the projection released in November 2025, when IDC had forecast only a 2.4 per cent decline.

According to IDC, the dramatic revision to its annual forecast is driven by a combination of factors, particularly memory shortages, rising component prices, and disruptions to global supply chains. These conditions are anticipated to constrain computer device production through at least 2027, making market recovery timelines difficult to predict.

“The technology industry, like many other sectors, continues to face uncontrollable pressures,” said Ryan Reith, Group Vice President for Devices and Consumer at IDC.

Reith further noted that mounting industry and geopolitical events are complicating business decision-making processes. This uncertainty is compounded by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

“When these various factors converge, the impact on the global PC market can be extremely disruptive, and recovery cannot be predicted,” Reith added.

Despite declining unit shipments, the market value of computing devices is expected to grow, buoyed by rising prices. IDC estimates the global PC market value will increase approximately 1.6 per cent to 274 billion US dollars in 2026.

Meanwhile, the tablet market value is predicted to grow 3.9 per cent to 66.8 billion US dollars.

“The era of cheap personal computers and tablets has ended for now, as rising component costs and memory shortages have fundamentally altered market dynamics,” according to industry analysis.