World PC Shipments Fall Over 20% YoY, Forecast Predicts 27% Drop by 2026

According to the most recent market figures quoted by Engadget, global personal‑computer shipments have shrunk by more than 20 % compared with the same timeframe last year. This sharp fall represents the steepest year‑over‑year decline the sector has seen in recent memory and points to a widespread slowdown in demand for both desktop and laptop devices.

The slump follows a buildup of pressures over the past two years, such as higher component prices, lingering supply‑chain bottlenecks and inflation‑driven price increases for consumers. With tighter budgets, many buyers are turning to smartphones, tablets or cloud‑based services that can perform many of the same tasks without the upfront cost of a full‑size PC.

Manufacturers and retailers are already feeling the squeeze. Leading OEMs have reported reduced order volumes, while distributors say the mix is shifting toward higher‑margin, premium models rather than volume‑oriented budget units. The pattern also mirrors a broader industry swing toward gaming consoles, streaming hardware and enterprise‑focused solutions that depend less on traditional desktop machines.

Analysts warn the downturn could worsen, projecting a total drop of as much as 27 % by the end of 2026 if price pressures continue. Their outlook assumes that ongoing component shortages will keep pushing up the cost of CPUs, memory and graphics chips, further hurting the affordability of new PCs for households and businesses alike.

Going forward, the PC market may have to lean on value‑added features—integrated security, AI‑boosted performance and modular designs that prolong product life—to stay competitive. A recovery is still possible should macro‑economic conditions improve or a fresh wave of attractive hardware—perhaps spurred by ARM‑based processors or novel form factors—rekindle consumer enthusiasm. For now, the figures highlight a tough backdrop for an industry that once rode a wave of rapid expansion.