Global PC Shipments Projected to Decline 5% in 2026 Amid Rising Memory Costs

• March 26, 2026

Global personal computer shipments are anticipated to decline by approximately 5% in 2026 compared to the previous year, according to analysis from Counterpoint Research. The firm’s data projects that around 262 million PCs will be shipped worldwide in 2026, down from an estimated 275 million units in 2025.

Rising Memory Prices Impact PC Market

A primary factor behind this downward trend is the sustained increase in memory costs. The higher expense of memory components is prompting manufacturers to raise prices for end consumers. This price inflation is expected to dampen overall demand in the PC sector, according to the research report.

Memory pricing has been under pressure due to supply chain dynamics and market factors influencing semiconductor components. As memory modules become more expensive, PC makers face cost challenges that are often passed along to buyers, resulting in tighter budgets and slower upgrade cycles.

Despite the projected market contraction, Apple and the gaming community represent significant opportunities for maintaining PC shipments. Apple’s strong ecosystem and continued product lineup are seen as supporting steady sales volumes, while gamers remain an important segment willing to invest in high-performance hardware.

The gaming PC market continues to benefit from enthusiastic user engagement and demand for advanced graphics and processing power. This segment’s willingness to absorb higher price points for memory and other components may partially offset declines in mainstream buyer interest.

Counterpoint Research’s forecast highlights the sensitivity of the PC market to component prices and the resulting consumer behaviors. The industry outlook remains cautious as manufacturers and vendors navigate an environment of rising input costs and shifting demand patterns.

Overall, the combination of inflationary pressures on memory pricing and changing buyer priorities is expected to curtail global PC shipment growth in 2026. Market participants will likely focus on innovating and targeting key demographics such as Apple users and gamers to sustain momentum amid these headwinds.

Worldwide PC shipments are set to drop 5% in 2026 due to increased memory prices, with Apple and gamers seen as key demand drivers.