US PC Shipments Rise 3% in Late 2025 Before Steep Decline Expected in 2026

• March 31, 2026

US PC Market Sees Growth at End of 2025 Before Sharp Contraction Forecast

According to recent analysis by market research firm Omdia, PC shipments in the United States experienced a 3% year-over-year increase in the fourth quarter of 2025. Total unit sales for this period reached approximately 18.2 million, indicating a short-term recovery in demand for personal computers after a period of stagnation or decline.

Despite this recent uptick, forecasts for the coming year signal a significant downturn. The research projects a 13% decrease in overall PC shipments throughout 2026 compared to 2025 figures. This expected contraction reflects evolving market conditions and challenges likely to impact production and consumer purchasing behavior.

One of the notable factors contributing to the predicted decline is a sharp increase in component costs. Both PCs and memory modules are anticipated to become considerably more expensive, with prices projected to rise by around 60%. This substantial inflation in hardware costs may constrain consumer spending and corporate investments, reducing the volume of new PC purchases.

The cost pressures could stem from a variety of underlying issues, including supply chain disruptions, increased raw material prices, or shifts in manufacturing capacity. While these specific causes were not detailed, the price escalation is expected to influence market dynamics negatively.

The temporary growth at the end of 2025 may have been driven by seasonal factors or transient demand triggers, but it does not appear sufficient to offset the expected declines in 2026. Industry stakeholders may need to prepare for tighter market conditions and adjust strategies accordingly to navigate the anticipated downturn.

Overall, the US PC market is facing a challenging period ahead, as rising costs and reduced shipments create uncertainty for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike.

US PC shipments grew 3% in late 2025 to 18.2 million units but are forecast to drop 13% in 2026 amid rising prices for PCs and memory.