GoKawiilGlobal PC shipments fell 21% in Q3 2026, Counterpoint says
Counterpoint Research reported that worldwide PC shipments dropped 21 percent year-over-year in Q3 2026, ending a two-year growth streak, with IDC and Omdia issuing similar findings. The firm attributed the slump to rising prices for RAM, SSDs, and chips from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, which pushed up costs on products ranging from MacBooks to Raspberry Pis. Smartphone shipments also hit a 14-year low in the same quarter.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Counterpoint's Minsoo Kang suggests manufacturers are prioritizing pricier configurations that can better absorb rising component costs, which could squeeze out budget-conscious buyers and shrink the affordable end of the market. Associate director David Naranjo cautions that a forecasted 27 percent drop in Q4 2026 and flat sales through 2027 indicate the market may be stabilizing at a lower level rather than recovering, implying prolonged pressure on PC makers' revenues.
- PC shipments fell 21% year-over-year in Q3 2026, confirmed by multiple research firms.
- Rising RAM, SSD, and chip prices are driving manufacturers toward pricier configurations and reviving older tech like DDR4 RAM.
- Counterpoint forecasts a further 27% shipment drop in Q4 2026 with flat demand through 2027, signaling a possibly prolonged slump.
Crucial 32GB DDR5 RAM Kit — With RAM prices spiking and new PC prices climbing as a result, upgrading your existing machine's memory can be a smart way to boost performance without buying a whole new system. A RAM kit like this lets you extend the life of your current PC while the market stabilizes, which is a timely move given the shipment slowdown described in the article.
See Crucial 32GB DDR5 RAM Kit on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Stevie Bonifield, 2026-10-22
Published there as: “PC shipments dropped over 20 percent in Q3 due to RAM price hikes”
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