Global shipments of personal computers (PCs) in the third quarter of 2026 fell by 20.1% compared to the same period last year—to 62.7 million units, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC).
This decline marks the second consecutive quarter of contraction. However, in April–June, the decline was less significant—3.8% year-over-year.
“A prolonged shortage of components and a rush to restock at the beginning of the year—when suppliers and distribution channels sought to purchase goods in anticipation of expected price increases for memory—led to demand being exhausted by the start of the third quarter,” the IDC report states.
This disrupted the usual seasonal pattern, under which third-quarter figures are typically higher than those of the second quarter. As a result, sales in July–September fell by 9.1% compared to the previous three months.
“Right now, channel partners are concerned about excess inventory in a market where high prices are holding back demand. This could lead to promotional campaigns and some short-term price reductions for consumers, but we do not expect prices to return to last year’s levels—they will remain high,” notes Jitesh Ubrani, IDC’s research director for consumer devices.
IDC, MARKET, PC, SHIPMENTS, TECHNOLOGY
Global smartphone shipments in the second quarter of 2026 decreased by 6.7% compared to the same period last year—to 277.5 million units, according to preliminary estimates by the International Data Corporation (IDC). This marks the second consecutive quarter of decline.
The decline in shipments is due to a shortage of memory chips and record-high prices for them.
“The cost of memory chips has risen by nearly 300% over the past year; it now accounts for more than 65% of the cost of goods sold in the low-end price segment, making it increasingly difficult for manufacturers with budget-friendly product lines to survive,” said Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC. “The memory crisis favors premium players and works against vendors operating in the low-end price segment.”
For the second quarter in a row, Apple Inc. and Samsung have demonstrated stability, remaining the only vendors in the top five to report sales growth, she noted. Apple achieved record results in the second quarter thanks to the success of the iPhone 17 and concerns about future price increases.
“This crisis has split the smartphone market into two parts,” said Francisco Geronimo, vice president of global client devices at IDC. “At the top are Apple and Samsung.”
They are pulling ahead of other companies, in part because they sell devices in which memory chips account for a smaller share of the cost. “At the bottom, manufacturers focused on low-cost, mass-produced devices are suffering—and so are their customers,” the expert said.
IDC, memory, SHIPMENT, smartphone, ЧИП
