TechTarget’s Omdia Forecasts 12% PC Shipments Drop on 60% Memory Cost Surge
In 2026 global PC shipments are projected to drop 12% to 245 million units due to at least a 60% rise in memory and storage prices in 1Q26. PCs under US$500 could plummet 28% to 62.1 million units shipped while high-end models may sustain modest growth.
1. Omdia’s 2026 PC Shipments Forecast
Omdia projects 2026 global desktop, notebook and workstation shipments will fall 12% to 245 million units, with desktops slipping 10% to 53.2 million and laptops down 12% to 192.2 million.
2. Sharp Memory and Storage Price Increases
Memory and storage component costs have surged by at least 60% in 1Q26 and risen US$90–US$165 on mainstream configurations since 1Q25, pressuring vendor margins and prompting price hikes and reduced promotions.
3. Price Band Impact
Entry-level PCs priced below US$500 face the steepest decline at 28%, dipping to 62.1 million units, while models priced above US$900 may hold or slightly grow shipments as vendors prioritize premium products.
4. Platform-Specific Outlook
Windows-based PCs are set to decline 12%, ChromeOS devices 27.6%, MacOS units 4.8%, and HarmonyOS PCs could expand nearly tenfold on a small base through Huawei’s ecosystem ramp-up in China.