IDC Revises PC Market Outlook, Forecasts 11.3% Decline by 2026 Amid Memory Shortages and Supply Chain Issues

• March 13, 2026

Market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has revised its forecast for global personal computer (PC) and tablet shipments, anticipating a notable decline by 2026. The updated projections reflect significant challenges in the technology supply chain, alongside persistent shortages of critical memory chips that impact production capacity.

According to IDC’s latest assessment, worldwide PC shipments are expected to drop by approximately 11.3% in 2026. This represents a sharper contraction compared to the previous forecast released in November 2025, which estimated a more modest decline of 2.4%. Meanwhile, tablet shipments are also projected to fall, with a decrease of around 7.6% expected in the same year.

Supply Chain Struggles and Memory Scarcity Drive Decline

The intensified downward revision stems predominately from ongoing supply chain disruptions combined with a sustained shortage of memory components. These factors have constrained manufacturers’ ability to meet demand for PCs and tablets, particularly affecting production schedules and inventory levels. The semiconductor shortage, especially for DRAM and NAND memory chips, continues to affect hardware assembly and product availability across several key markets.

While earlier forecasts had anticipated some recovery or stabilization in shipments, the new forecast illustrates that the obstacles facing supply networks remain substantial. This environment compels vendors to curb output and adjust production strategies accordingly, directly influencing shipment volumes worldwide.

IDC’s data suggests that the consumer electronics industry must navigate these limitations carefully, balancing supply constraints with evolving market demand. The decline also underscores the ripple effects that component shortages can have on broader technology ecosystems and downstream businesses relying on PC and tablet sales.

The revised outlook highlights how critical memory supplies and reliable logistics are for the health of the PC and tablet segments. It also raises questions about how emerging technology trends and shifts in end-user behavior might impact demand going forward, especially in a market environment shaped by fluctuating availability and delivery challenges.

IDC’s forecast serves as a reminder of the intricate dependencies in global electronics supply chains and the ongoing vulnerabilities that can disrupt production and sales performance. Companies engaged in manufacturing and distributing computing devices may need to adapt to these market conditions by exploring alternative sourcing strategies or optimizing their product lines.

The updated projections from IDC provide a grounded perspective on the near-term challenges within the PC and tablet markets, emphasizing the importance of supply chain resilience and access to critical components in shaping future growth trajectories.

IDC projects a steep 11.3% drop in global PC shipments by 2026 due to ongoing memory shortages and supply chain disruptions.