US PC shipments declined 7.0% year-over-year to 15.8 million units in Q1 2026, marking the steepest drop since Q3 2023 according to Omdia research. Component supply constraints and surging memory prices are squeezing vendor margins, while the post-Windows 11 refresh cycle has left many commercial buyers with sufficient inventory.

The consumer segment fell 9.5% as buyers delayed purchases amid higher prices and economic uncertainty. HP's shipments dropped 21.6%, costing them their market leadership position. Dell seized the top spot with 25.0% market share, posting 1.1% growth, while Lenovo gained 1.2% to reach 20.0% share.

AI-capable PCs now comprise 44% of shipments, driving average selling prices up. Omdia expects full-year 2026 US PC shipments to decline 14.4% versus 2025 as supply tightness continues. Entry-level devices under $500 saw shipments plummet 18.7%, making budget PCs increasingly unviable in the current pricing environment.

Education and government sectors face ongoing pressure through 2026, with pricing increases straining already tight budgets. The shift toward higher-cost AI PCs appears structural rather than temporary, suggesting elevated pricing will persist as vendors prioritize profitable segments over volume growth.