Signs of Worsening Crisis: Laptops and Tablets Failing to Sell

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - IDC has revised the decline in the global PC and tablet market for 2026. PC shipments are predicted to plummet 11.3%, deeper than the previous projection of 2.4% decline. IDC also revealed that global tablet shipments are estimated to fall by up to 7.6% throughout this year, cited from Mactech, Tuesday (17/2/2026). Shortages in the memory supply chain remain the main cause of the decline in the PC and tablet markets. Other factors include rising component prices and broader supply chain constraints that will limit production until 2026. IDC’s group vice president for devices and consumer, Ryan Reith, explained that the conflict in the Middle East is not yet included in this analysis. That conflict will add challenges in many industries, including the technology and hardware markets. He also added that this issue is compounded by uncertainty over when the pressure on the market will ease. “The technology industry as a whole, and many other industries, are facing uncontrollable obstacles that, when combined, will create major disruptions,” Reith said. Meanwhile, Reith stated that the market value will experience growth. For example, higher-than-expected average selling prices (ASP) will increase the market value. The details are as follows: PCs will grow 1.6% to US$274 billion (Rp 4,600 trillion), while tablets will increase 3.9% to a total of US$66.8 billion (Rp 1,100 trillion). IDC also predicts that product vendors will prioritise supply chain resilience. In addition, they will implement flexible component procurement strategies and explore cost-reduction options to control expenses. With the dynamics occurring in the market, IDC says it could impact future end-user adoption levels.