PC Shipments Plummet 21 Percent in Q3 Amid RAM Price Hikes

Global PC shipments declined by 21 percent year-over-year in Q3 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. This significant drop follows months of rising component prices, including RAM, SSDs, and chips from major manufacturers. The decline in PC shipments mirrors a 14-year low in smartphone shipments during the same quarter. Counterpoint Research attributes the decline in PC shipments to higher component prices. PC shipments had been steadily increasing for over two years prior to Q2 2026, but the recent price hikes have taken a toll on demand for new PCs. The price hikes have affected a wide range of devices, from high-end MacBooks to affordable Raspberry Pis. The decline in PC shipments is a concerning trend, particularly for manufacturers and consumers who rely on these devices for daily use.