Global personal computer shipments experienced a significant contraction in the third quarter, with multiple research firms documenting steep year-over-year declines. Omdia reported a 21.2 percent decrease to 58.1 million devices, while IDC measured a 20.1 percent drop to 62.7 million units. The decline represents the sharpest performance for the third quarter on record, according to IDC’s historical data.
The shipment categories showed varying degrees of weakness. Desktop PC units, including workstations, fell 23.5 percent to 11.7 million devices, while laptop shipments declined 20.6 percent to 46.4 million units. Quarter-over-quarter comparisons also revealed softness, with Q3 volumes declining 9.1 percent from Q2 levels, a notable reversal of the typical seasonal pattern where the third quarter usually outperforms the second.
Analysts attributed the downturn to supply chain constraints and pricing pressures stemming from component shortages. Vendors and distribution partners had earlier in the year increased inventory levels in anticipation of memory price increases, leaving minimal demand for additional units during Q3. The elevated pricing resulting from memory and storage cost increases has suppressed consumer and business purchasing appetite, with memory and storage now representing nearly 40 percent of PC manufacturing costs compared to a typical 15 percent allocation.
Industry observers expect continued weakness ahead. Omdia projects a 24 percent year-over-year decline for the following quarter, with a 7 percent decline anticipated for 2027. Component shortage challenges are expected to persist through extended periods, with executives from memory manufacturers indicating supply constraints could continue into 2028. Analysts noted that while price reductions may provide brief relief to consumers, near-term pricing is unlikely to approach earlier levels due to ongoing capacity constraints affecting memory and other critical components.
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