The Real Test for PC Buyers Starts This Quarter, Says IDC, as Wider Market Shifts Coupled With Shortages Start to Bite in the Market

IDC said PC shipments rose 2.5% year over year in Q1 2026.

The gain was driven largely by buyers pulling purchases forward ahead of expected price increases.

IDC expects the market to weaken later this year as shortages, higher prices, and softer demand build.

CPU, GPU, memory, and SSD shortages, along with the Windows 10 upgrade cycle, could add more pressure.