As demand for AI infrastructure escalates, memory shortages are poised to hinder PC shipments in 2026. Memory manufacturers are reallocating production capacity to focus on high-margin server DRAM and High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chips, leaving mainstream DDR memory in short supply.
Market Dynamics and Price Pressures
According to research firm Omdia, the overall performance of the PC market in 2025 was robust, but tightening memory and storage supplies began to exert upward price pressure mid-year. By December, PC vendors anticipated price hikes, dampening expectations for shipment volumes in 2026. Omdia Principal Analyst Ben Yeh noted that between Q1 and Q4 of 2025, mainstream PC memory and storage costs surged by 40 to 70 percent, leading to increased prices for consumers.
Impact on PC Manufacturers
Major PC manufacturers like Dell and Lenovo warned of “unprecedented cost increases” in December, indicating plans to raise product prices. An alternative strategy would involve shipping configurations with reduced memory, which risks disappointing consumers seeking optimal performance. Yeh highlighted that the industry is focusing on high-end SKUs and leaner configurations to safeguard profit margins amidst tight supply.
Competitive Landscape and Shipment Projections
With memory supplies unable to meet demand, competition among PC makers is expected to intensify. Those willing to pay more for memory are likely to secure better procurement outcomes, further driving up prices. Taiwanese market analyst TrendForce has revised its global laptop shipment forecast for 2026, projecting a 5.4 percent decrease compared to 2025, totaling approximately 173 million units.
Long-Term Outlook and Market Sentiment
The current memory crunch could impact the adoption of Windows 11, as the operating system demands more resources than its predecessor, Windows 10. High replacement costs may deter users from upgrading. Despite the challenges, a November 2025 poll by Omdia indicated that 57 percent of B2B channel vendors still expect growth in 2026, reflecting a prevailing optimism in the market.
In 2025, Lenovo led the PC market with over 25 percent of shipments, followed by HP at just over 20 percent, Dell at 15 percent, Apple under 10 percent, and Asus at 7.2 percent.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
