Global PC shipments saw a 9.6% year-over-year increase in the fourth quarter of 2025, reaching 76.4 million units, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of growth. The PC industry faces volatility due to ongoing memory shortages, potentially leading to market contraction and price increases.

The top five vendors in the PC market performed strongly in Q4 2025, with Lenovo leading with 19.3 million shipments and a 25.3% market share. HP and Dell also saw significant growth, while Apple experienced the lowest growth among the top players. ASUS and smaller manufacturers also showed positive growth trends.

The PC industry in 2026 faces challenges due to memory shortages caused by increased demand for artificial intelligence systems. This could lead to slower shipments, higher prices, and fewer affordable options for consumers. Major PC vendors are preparing for price hikes to offset rising memory costs and declining shipments in the year ahead.

Large, well-established PC brands are better positioned to navigate memory shortages and price increases in 2026 compared to smaller manufacturers. The focus on mid-range and premium systems may lead to fewer PC unit sales but at higher prices, protecting margins for vendors. Apple and Dell Technologies hold a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), while HP and Lenovo carry a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

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Read more at Nasdaq: Q4 PC Shipments Rise 9.6%, Memory Shortage to Hurt Growth in 2026