New data predicts PC sales will tank in 2026 but Apple is doubling MacBook Neo production according to reports
Research firm IDC has released a troubling forecast for the personal computer market, predicting a significant decline in PC sales throughout the mid-to-late 2020s. The firm estimates that PC sales will drop 11.3% in 2026, with 2027 expected to be nearly as severe. More concerning, IDC’s projections suggest that PC sales will not recover to 2025 levels even by 2030.
The primary culprit behind this downturn is identified as a persistent memory shortage that IDC anticipates will persist until at least the end of 2027. This extended supply constraint is expected to hamper PC component availability and sales throughout the forecast period.
Interestingly, while the broader PC market faces headwinds, Apple is reportedly taking a contrarian approach. According to reports, the company is doubling production of its MacBook Neo model, suggesting confidence in demand for its own computing hardware despite the industry-wide downturn. This divergence raises questions about whether the predicted sales decline reflects weakening consumer demand or is primarily a supply-driven issue, with different manufacturers adopting distinct strategies in response to market conditions.