Growth Under Pressure: How the PC Market Surprised Everyone in 2025

You might expect shortages to slow a market down. In 2025 the PC industry proved the opposite. Global shipments rose sharply in the fourth quarter, climbing 9.6 percent year over year to 76.4 million units. For the full year, the market expanded by 8.1 percent and reached almost 285 million computers shipped worldwide.
The holiday season helped, but it was not the only driver. A global memory shortage pushed many buyers to act early. People feared higher prices ahead and chose to purchase sooner rather than later. Lenovo closed the quarter as the clear leader with more than 19 million PCs shipped. HP followed, then Dell. Apple and Asus completed the top five, each holding solid positions in a competitive field.

Memory Shortage as a Market Shaper

According to IDC researcher Jitesh Ubrani, the lack of memory affects every corner of the industry. You can already see the consequences. Some new PCs arrive with less memory than you might expect. Manufacturers use this approach to keep products flowing despite limited supply.
Large consumer electronics brands handle this pressure better thanks to stronger supply chains. Smaller players face harder choices and some may exit the market altogether. If you enjoy building your own PC, the situation feels especially frustrating. High prices and scarce components may push you to delay upgrades or spend money on other interests.

What 2026 May Bring

Looking ahead, IDC expects PC shipments to soften slightly in 2026. At the same time, the total market value should grow. Rising memory costs will push average selling prices higher.
IDC vice president Jean Philippe Bouchard believes the PC market will look very different within a year. As a buyer, you will likely choose between higher prices and leaner configurations. These decisions will reshape competition and define who leads the industry next.