U.S. shipments of PCs fell 7% year-on-year in Q1 2026, totaling 15.8 million units, due to pricing pressures and component shortages. Average prices are projected to exceed $1,000 this year, impacting consumer purchasing behavior and contributing to a significant decline in lower-end PC sales.
According to research from Omdia, U.S. PC shipments—including both desktops and laptops—dipped by 7% in the first quarter of 2026. This marks the lowest point since late 2023, underscoring an adverse trend prompted by various factors, including heightened prices and ongoing component shortages.
The average selling price of PCs is on track to exceed $1,000 by the end of 2026, driven by a significant rise in component prices. Omdia reported a 4% increase in selling prices for Q1; however, the reality is much grimmer, as some components have seen price surges of hundreds of percent, particularly with the supply constraints in memory production.
The decline in sub-$500 PC shipments—a staggering 18.7% drop year-on-year—is particularly concerning, indicating that the ultra-budget segment is being severely affected. Higher prices mean consumers are not only purchasing fewer PCs but are also being priced out of the lower-end market altogether.
Despite the current downturn, Omdia’s forecast suggests a recovery in PC sales around 2027, projected to reach volumes seen in 2025 by 2028. This anticipated recovery coincides with the expected opening of new memory production facilities, which could stabilize supply and help alleviate some pricing pressure.
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U.S. shipments of PCs fell 7% year-on-year in Q1 2026, totaling 15.8 million units, due to pricing pressures and component shortages. Average prices are projected to exceed $1,000 this year, impacting consumer purchasing behavior and contributing to a significant decline in lower-end PC sales.