Worldwide PC shipments will decline 12% in 2026, dropping to 245 million units, driven by sharp memory and storage price hikes that could push costs up 60% in the first quarter, according to Omdia. This forecast reflects how memory and storage prices have surged 60% since 2025, forcing vendors to cut promotions, raise prices, and adjust configurations across all product categories. Desktops will fall 10% to 53.2 million units while laptops decline 12% to 192.2 million units, with sub-$500 PCs expected to drop 28% to 62.1 million units shipped due to thinner margins and component allocation issues.

Higher-end PCs priced above $900 may even see modest growth, as consumers accept premium price points to meet essential needs, though this shift doesn't necessarily mean better configurations. The outlook carries downside risks of worsening shortages and steeper price hikes, potentially pushing shipments below 15% decline. Conflict in the Middle East adds uncertainty to international transport and regional growth.

Windows PCs, accounting for 83% of shipments, face the steepest decline at 12%, while Chrome devices could plummet 28% due to education platform exposure. Macs show modest 5% decline supported by Apple's integrated supply chain, but HarmonyOS-based PCs could grow tenfold year-on-year as Huawei ramps up its ecosystem in China.