2026 Will Be a Dark Year for Notebooks: A Double-Digit Decline in Shipments Expected

The notebook market will experience a drastic slowdown in 2026. This confirmation comes from an analysis by TrendForce, following Apple's decision to increase the prices of its MacBooks, allowing it to maintain the competitive edge it had gained in recent months, which enabled the MacBook Neo to achieve significant commercial success in the initial weeks of its market availability.

Apple will still conclude a very positive 2026, with over 23 million units shipped and double-digit growth, but the slowdown during the second half of the year will be substantial. This data will contribute to the overall slowdown of the notebook market. According to TrendForce, indeed, shipments are expected to decline by 13.6% throughout 2026, with the second half of the year being particularly negative. For most Windows notebook manufacturers, therefore, the current year will be quite negative, with several OEMs likely focusing on the premium segment to attempt to maximize revenues and profits.

This figure is significant. The decline in shipments will bring 2026 below the level reached in 2024 for the market, indicating a drastic slowdown for the entire sector. The trend in shipments is closely tied to the memory crisis, which has a notable impact on the final cost of products. The price increase will drive many consumers to postpone purchases or turn to alternative solutions, such as refurbished or used products. In the coming weeks, the first estimates for the second quarter of the year will clarify the current state of the market.