Global PC shipments plunge 20% year-on-year in Q3 2026

According to the International Data Corporation, global personal-computer shipments in the third quarter of 2026 amounted to 62.7 million units, marking a 9.1% decrease from the second quarter and a 20.1% year-over-year decline. The agency cited persistent supply-chain issues and elevated pricing as primary drivers of the downturn. Jitesh Ubrani, IDC's research director for consumer devices, explained that channel partners are reluctant to carry excess stock in a market where high prices suppress demand, which may trigger temporary promotions but not a return to last-year price levels.

He added that macroeconomic conditions are worsening, raising the risk of a further slide in the outlook over the next few quarters. Consumers are advised to seek any available deals now, while IDC suggests postponing purchases for at least another year in hopes of more normal pricing.