From Engadget · Anna Washenko · · 1m
PC shipments plunge 20 percent as RAM prices stay high
Global PC sales fell sharply in Q3 2026 as supply problems and elevated component costs kept buyers away from the market.
In brief
Global PC sales fell sharply in Q3 2026 as supply problems and elevated component costs kept buyers away from the market. Worldwide PC shipments fell twenty point one percent year-over-year in Q3 2026 to sixty two point seven million units, driven by supply issues and high prices that IDC expects to remain elevated…
PC sales collapse in third quarter
The International Data Corporation reported global PC shipments in Q3 2026 totalled sixty two point seven million units, down twenty point one percent from Q3 2025.
Supply and pricing squeeze demand
IDC credited supply issues and elevated prices for the decline. Jitesh Ubrani, IDC's research director for consumer devices, warned that prices will remain elevated and channels worry about carrying too much inventory.
“Prices will remain elevated.”
Buyers should wait for relief
IDC advises consumers to hold off on computer purchases for at least another year when prices will hopefully regain normalcy. Short-term promotions may offer some relief but won't match prices from a year ago.
What it means
Worldwide PC shipments fell twenty point one percent year-over-year in Q3 2026 to sixty two point seven million units, driven by supply issues and high prices that IDC expects to remain elevated for at least another year.
