More Expensive PCs on the Way: Q1 2026 Boom Hides an Imminent Crisis
The global PC market, according to preliminary estimates from IDC, recorded a 2.5% growth in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 65.6 million units shipped. A positive result that confirms the recovery trend already observed in previous quarters but which is set against an increasingly complex macroeconomic backdrop.
The demand was supported by several concurrent factors: on one hand, the transition from Windows 10, which continues to drive the renewal of the installed base, and on the other hand, the anticipation of price increases for components, which encouraged companies and consumers to bring forward purchases. Additionally, new hardware platforms launched in recent months contributed to this growth.
However, the landscape remains fragile. Difficulties in the supply chain, particularly related to the availability of memory, are beginning to show tangible effects. IDC highlights that growth has already slowed in all major regions, signaling a market that could reverse its trend in the second half of the year.
Adding further pressure is the geopolitical context. Tensions in the Middle East are affecting trade routes between Asia and Europe, increasing energy and logistics costs. The result is a rise in transportation rates, both maritime and air, which affects the entire value chain, ultimately reflecting in the final price of PCs.
According to IDC, 2026 will be characterized by a gradual shift in market shares among various producers, with a key factor being the ability to secure critical components and cover all price ranges with their product portfolio.
Regarding the producers, Lenovo maintained global leadership with 16.5 million units shipped and a 25.2% market share, an increase from the previous year. The 8.6% increase indicates solid supply chain management and a balanced presence across all segments, from consumer to enterprise.
In second place is HP, which registered a 4.9% contraction, dropping to 12.1 million units and an 18.5% market share. The decline suggests competitive difficulties and possible challenges in procurement or product positioning, in a context of selective demand.
Dell Technologies follows with a 7.7% growth, allowing it to reach 10.3 million units and a 15.7% market share. This result indicates strong performance in the business segment, traditionally the company's stronghold, and an effective strategy in supply management.
Q1 2026 Shipments Data
| Company | Shipments Q1 2026 | Market Share Q1 2026 | Shipments Q1 2025 | Market Share Q1 2025 | Growth Q1 2025/Q1 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lenovo | 16.5 | 25.2% | 15.2 | 23.8% | 8.6% |
| 2. HP Inc | 12.1 | 18.5% | 12.8 | 20% | -4.9% |
| 3. Dell Technologies | 10.3 | 15.7% | 9.6 | 14.9% | 7.7% |
| 4. Apple | 6.2 | 9.5% | 5.7 | 8.9% | 9.1% |
| 5. ASUS | 4.8 | 7.2% | 4.1 | 6.3% | 17.1% |
| Others | 15.7 | 23.9% | 16.7 | 26.1% | -6.2% |
| Total | 65.6 | 100% | 64 | 100% | 2.5% |
Source: IDC Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, April 8, 2026
Apple achieved an increase of 9.1%, with 6.2 million units and a 9.5% share. The growth continues to be supported by the transition to proprietary architectures and stable demand in the premium segment, less sensitive to price fluctuations.
Rounding out the top five is ASUS, the manufacturer with the highest growth among the top five (+17.1%), totaling 4.8 million units and a 7.2% share. This result reflects aggressive expansion and strong competitiveness, particularly in the gaming and consumer segments.
The group "Others" reported a 6.2% decline, signaling increasing market concentration in the hands of major vendors, benefiting from economies of scale and greater access to components.