RAM shortage declines global PC shipments down to 4.9%, Apple gains market share

In the second quarter of 2026, the global PC market has faced a significant downturn, primarily due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and a critical shortage of RAM. Research from the International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals that PC shipments have fallen by 4.9% year-over-year, totaling 68.2 million units. Lenovo has emerged as the leading PC vendor, capturing 24.4% of the market share, with HP, Dell, and Apple trailing behind. Despite the industry-wide challenges, Apple managed to boost its market presence, largely attributed to the launch of its new, budget-friendly MacBook Neo. This marks the first substantial decline in shipments following nine quarters of consistent growth. IDC's outlook suggests that the current difficulties may persist until 2028. Research director Jitesh Ubrani noted that the worsening economic climate and the ongoing memory shortage are unlikely to improve in the near future. He stated, "Given worsening macro conditions and a memory shortage that isn't expected to ease until early 2028, we don't foresee another inventory pull-forward, indicating a significant slowdown in growth rates for the latter half of 2026." As vendors brace for further price increases into 2027, concerns are growing about elevated inventory levels at these higher price points. Apple's recent increase in market share comes despite the rising costs affecting the entire sector, allowing it to maintain a competitive edge. Other major brands like Lenovo, HP, and Dell have also felt the strain, with Lenovo experiencing a 2.1% decline in shipments, HP facing a 9% drop, and Dell witnessing a 5% decrease. This situation illustrates the broader impact of component shortages and rising costs across the PC industry, pushing manufacturers to increase prices for devices with comparable specifications, ultimately leaving consumers to bear the financial burden.