IDC lowers its PC sales forecast again - and significantly

"Global PC shipments are now expected to decline by 11.3%, compared to the previous forecast of a 2.4% drop. Tablet shipments are also expected to fall by 7.6%. The decline is attributed to memory shortages, rising component prices, and ongoing disruptions to supply chains."

"IDC believes these problems could affect production well into 2027. Despite fewer units shipped, market value is expected to increase slightly, as higher component costs drive up prices for computers and tablets."

"IDC also estimates that truly inexpensive computers might become rarer in the future, as the industry adapts to a new normal with higher prices."

IDC has significantly revised its 2026 PC market outlook, now projecting an 11.3% decline in global PC shipments instead of the previously forecasted 2.4% drop. Tablet shipments are expected to fall 7.6%. Memory shortages, elevated component costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions drive this pessimistic revision, with these challenges anticipated to extend into 2027. Despite reduced unit volumes, overall market value is projected to increase slightly as higher component costs elevate computer and tablet prices. The research firm anticipates that affordable computers will become increasingly scarce as the industry adjusts to a higher-price operating environment.

Read at Computerworld