Global PC shipments rose by 9.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to IDC's latest Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, however, it is unlikely those increases will continue, due in part to a pending memory shortage that will impact both enterprise and consumer markets. IDC stated in a release that it expects that the PC market will be far different in 12 months, given how quickly the memory situation is evolving.
While the holiday season typically drives stronger demand, the surge in late 2025 was further amplified by emerging memory shortages that led buyers and brands to secure inventory ahead of anticipated price increases in 2026,