Global PC Market Set for Significant Contraction in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 15 2026
0mins
Source: Yahoo Finance
- Shipment Forecast Downgrade: Goldman Sachs projects a 10% decline in global PC shipments in 2026, down to 257 million units, primarily due to rising component costs and a cooling replacement cycle, indicating significant challenges for the industry.
- Material Cost Pressure: The sharp increase in memory costs is squeezing manufacturers' margins, particularly affecting the profitability of entry-level hardware, leading to persistent pressures on the overall market from 2026 to 2028.
- Rise of AI PCs: Despite the overall market slump, AI PC shipments are expected to reach 150 million units in 2026, achieving a 59% market penetration, demonstrating that high-end machines are more resilient to economic headwinds and can better absorb rising costs.
- Industry Leaders' Transformation: Goldman specifically tracks how industry leaders like Apple, Lenovo, HP, and Dell are pivoting their portfolios towards capturing high-margin edge computing demand, with AI PCs projected to account for 81% of the market by 2028.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to fall
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 311.230
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 311.230
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content, and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its wearables include smartwatches, wireless headphones, and spatial computers. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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