The global PC market cools down again after several quarters of recovery. According to the latest data from Omdia, worldwide shipments of desktops, laptops, and workstations reached 65.7 million units in Q2 2026, a 3.6% decrease compared to the same period last year.
The decline comes at an inconvenient time for manufacturers, distributors, and companies. Pressure on components like memory and storage is driving up end-user prices, while some of the demand expected in the coming months was brought forward during the first half of the year to avoid further price increases. The result is a market that still maintains volume but shows clear signs of fatigue for the second half.
Omdia estimates that desktop shipments, including desktop workstations, were 13.9 million units, a 1.3% year-over-year decrease. Laptops, including mobile workstations, reached 51.7 million, with a drop of 4.2%. The weakness is more concentrated in notebooks, which remain the dominant category in the market.
Component inflation impacts the final price
The increase in memory and storage during the first quarter has ultimately been reflected in higher equipment prices in the second quarter. Ben Yeh, senior analyst at Omdia, notes that this increase had a clear impact on product prices and caused consumers and IT managers to accelerate purchases to protect against potential new hikes.
This preemptive buying helps explain why sales remained relatively stable in some segments, but also casts a shadow on the coming months. If part of the demand was front-loaded, the market could face a slowdown afterward.
Omdia indicates some manufacturers started raising prices as early as late Q4 2025 and have continued adjusting them quarter by quarter. Comparable product lines would have experienced price increases of between 20% and 40% compared to the same period last year. Apple has been a highlight, raising prices on MacBooks, although this move is not exclusive to the company.
Pressure is not limited to memory and storage. Omdia also mentions cost increases in other components such as multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs). While cost growth is expected to slow in the second half of 2026, the consultancy does not anticipate a reversal in memory or storage prices within the year.
| Segment | Q2 2026 Shipments | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Desktops and desktop workstations | 13.9 million | -1.3% |
| Laptops and mobile workstations | 51.7 million | -4.2% |
| Total PCs | 65.7 million | -3.6% |
Companies delaying upgrades
The B2B channel is starting to feel the impact. According to Omdia’s June survey, more than half of the B2B partners surveyed say their customers are postponing hardware renewal plans until the market stabilizes. Another 6% even point to potential cancellations.
This is significant because the corporate market had a clear support factor: the need to upgrade equipment due to the end of Windows 10 support, which concluded in October 2025. Many commercial fleets still require updates, but the rising costs of equipment may delay decisions, especially in companies with large laptop fleets.
The situation leaves IT departments in a tricky position. They need to modernize hardware for security, compatibility, and productivity, but also face higher prices and a less favorable supply environment. In companies with thousands of devices, a 20% to 30% increase in comparable ranges can significantly impact annual budgets.
Omdia’s chart also shows an irregular trend since 2023. Shipments dipped to lower levels across several quarters in 2023 and 2024, rebounded strongly in 2025—particularly in Q4—and are now slowing again in the first half of 2026. The market isn’t crashing, but it’s entering a less favorable phase after the previous renewal boost.
Lenovo maintains its leadership
By manufacturer, Lenovo remains the world leader. The company shipped 16.6 million units in Q2 2026, holding a market share close to 25%, despite a volume decline of 2%.
HP ranks second with 13.0 million units, though its shipments fell 9% year over year. Dell stays third with 9.3 million units and a 14% share, showing more resilience in an environment affected by supply and pricing pressures.
Apple was the best-performing among the leading manufacturers. Omdia attributes this growth to the launch of the MacBook Neo and sustained healthy demand. The company shipped 7.3 million units and gained two percentage points of market share compared to Q2 2025. Asus rounded out the top five with 5.0 million units, with nearly flat growth.
| Manufacturer | Q2 2026 Shipments | Approximate Market Share | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo | 16.6 million | 25% | Maintains leadership despite a 2% decline |
| HP | 13.0 million | — | Down 9% annually |
| Dell | 9.3 million | 14% | Resilient in a pressured market |
| Apple | 7.3 million | — | Fastest growth among the top players |
| Asus | 5.0 million | — | Almost flat evolution |
A market influenced by price, not just demand
The 3.6% decline does not solely reflect a lack of interest in buying PCs. PCs remain a central tool for businesses, education, content creation, telecommuting, and gaming. The issue lies in the balance between need, price, and timing of purchase.
Many buyers accelerated upgrades out of fear of further price hikes. Others will wait for the market to stabilize. Meanwhile, manufacturers will try to protect margins by passing some of the component cost increases to the end customer.
The likely outcome is a more challenging second half. If prices stay high and part of corporate demand is delayed, the market could lose momentum—even though a significant backlog of devices awaiting renewal remains.
The Windows 10 cycle can still serve as support, but it alone does not guarantee a linear recovery. Companies might extend device lifespans, prioritize cheaper models, phase renewals, or concentrate investments on critical profiles.
The PC market is not facing a structural crisis like the one after the pandemic boom, but it is experiencing an adjustment phase. Demand exists; the problem is that purchasing has become more expensive just when many organizations need to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the global PC market decline in Q2 2026?
According to Omdia, worldwide shipments decreased by 3.6% year over year to 65.7 million units.
Which segment declined more, laptops or desktops?
Laptops saw a larger drop, with a 4.2% decrease compared to 1.3% for desktops.
Why are PC prices rising?
Due to increased costs of components like memory, storage, MLCCs, and PCBs, which manufacturers are passing on to consumers.
Which manufacturer leads the market?
Lenovo maintains the top position with 16.6 million units shipped and approximately 25% market share.
What might happen in the second half of 2026?
Omdia forecasts demand pressure as many buyers accelerated purchases, while others delay renewals until prices stabilize.
via: omdia.tech
