Global PC shipments fall 20 percent year-over-year in Q3

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 15:00 · Archive

Worldwide PC shipments in the third quarter fell 20 per cent compared with the same period last year, to 62.7 million units.

The International Data Corporation reported that worldwide PC shipments in the third quarter of 2026 totalled 62.7 million units, down 20.1 per cent year-over-year and 9.1 per cent from the previous quarter.

Supply issues and elevated component prices have damped demand. Jitesh Ubrani, IDC's research director for consumer devices, said: 'Channels are now worried about carrying too much inventory into a market where high prices are suppressing demand.' Buyers had rushed to purchase before earlier price increases, but that demand has since dried up.

Short-term promotional pricing may offer some relief, but Ubrani warned that prices would remain elevated compared with a year ago. He added that 'with macro conditions worsening, the risk is that the outlook for the next few quarters gets worse before it gets better.' IDC suggested consumers would benefit from delaying purchases by at least another year, when prices might approach more normal levels.

How it is being reported

• Global PC shipments crater 20% as rising prices hammer demandBuyers rushed to beat hikes earlier this year, but demand has since dried up as AI-fueled component shortages send costs soaringThe Register · 9 Oct, 14:44
• IDC: Worldwide PC shipments in Q3 fell 20 percent from last year"With macro conditions worsening, the risk is that the outlook for the next few quarters gets worse before it gets better."Engadget · 8 Oct, 22:50

In this story: International Data Corporation · Jitesh Ubrani

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