IDC: Global PC Shipments Fall 20% Year Over Year in Third Quarter
IDC says 62.7 million PCs shipped worldwide in Q3 2026, down 20.1% from a year earlier. The firm points to supply problems and elevated prices.
The International Data Corporation (IDC) reports that 62.7 million personal computers shipped worldwide in the third quarter of 2026. That is 9.1% fewer than in the second quarter and 20.1% below the third quarter of 2025.
The organization names supply issues and elevated prices as key reasons for weakening demand. The situation, informally dubbed "RAMaggedon," shows no sign of easing.
IDC already reported the first drop in PC shipments in nine quarters this July. That came only a few months after it lowered its forecast for the whole 2026 PC market.
Prices to stay high
Jitesh Ubrani, IDC's research director for consumer devices, says sales channels are worried about holding too much inventory in a market where high prices suppress demand. This could lead to promotions and short-term relief for consumers, but prices are not expected to come close to last year's levels. He stresses that prices will remain elevated.
Ubrani also warns that, with macroeconomic conditions worsening, the outlook for the next few quarters could get worse before it improves.
What it means for buyers
Engadget concludes that anyone shopping for computers or components should take available deals. Otherwise, based on IDC's assessment, purchases are best postponed for at least another year, when prices will hopefully regain some normality.
