Global PC Shipments Experience First Decline in Over Two Years Amid Memory Shortage

Global PC shipments have experienced their first decline in nine quarters, primarily due to a memory chip shortage. The latest IDC report reveals a 4.9% drop in shipments, with Apple being the only company to gain market share. Factors such as geopolitical tensions and investments in AI data centers have also contributed to this decline. Experts predict that the memory shortage will persist until early 2028, leading to further price increases and a slowdown in growth rates. As the market conditions worsen, the importance of effective supply chain management becomes crucial for vendors, especially larger ones with established supplier relationships. The report highlights the potential for gradual recovery in the industry through AI adoption in PCs.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:52 IST

Significant Drop in PC Shipments

For the first time in nine quarters, global shipments of personal computers have seen a notable decrease, primarily driven by an ongoing memory chip shortage. According to a recent report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), PC shipments fell by 4.9 percent in the second quarter of 2026, with Apple emerging as the sole manufacturer to gain market share during this period. The report highlights that the decline is largely attributed to the scarcity of memory chips, compounded by geopolitical tensions in West Asia and increased investments in AI data centers.

In the second quarter of 2026, the total number of computing devices shipped worldwide was 68.2 million, a drop from 71.7 million in the same quarter the previous year. Although a decline was anticipated, the extent of this decrease was unexpected. Jitesh Ubrani, Research Director for Consumer Devices at IDC, stated, “Given worsening macro conditions and a memory shortage that isn’t expected to ease until early 2028, we don’t expect another round of inventory pull-forward, which points to a sharp slowdown in growth rates in the second half of 2026.”

Ubrani also noted that vendors are preparing for further price increases into 2027, with concerns already being raised about high inventory levels at these elevated price points. Jean Philippe Bouchard, Vice President for Consumer Devices at IDC, emphasized the growing importance of supply chain management, stating, “The largest vendors, with their buying power and long-standing supplier ties, are best positioned to take share from smaller rivals.”

Apple's market share increase coincided with the launch of its new product, the MacBook Neo. Despite raising prices in line with market trends, Apple remains well-positioned against competitors facing similar cost challenges. Analysts suggest that the ongoing memory shortage and rising prices underscore the necessity for improved supply chain management, with hopes that the adoption of AI in PCs may lead to a gradual recovery for the industry in the long run.