Worldwide PC shipments fell to 62.7 million in the third quarter of 2026, a 20.1 percent drop from the same period a year earlier, according to IDC data reported by Engadget. Shipments also declined 9.1 percent from the second quarter. IDC attributed the slump to supply issues and elevated prices, continuing what it has called "RAMaggedon."
The report follows IDC's first year-over-year decline in nine quarters, recorded in July, and its earlier decision to cut its full-year 2026 forecast. Jitesh Ubrani, IDC's research director for consumer devices, said channels are worried about holding too much inventory while high prices suppress demand. He said that could lead to promotions and short-term relief, but prices should stay well above last year's levels and could worsen before improving.
For buyers, IDC's advice is to take deals when they appear or wait at least another year for prices to normalize. The data points to a market stuck between weak demand and persistent cost pressures, with little sign of a quick recovery.