Research firm IDC Global reported that worldwide PC shipments declined 20.1% year-over-year during the third quarter of 2026, amounting to a drop of 15.8 million units. The contraction outpaced the 3.8% year-over-year decrease recorded in the prior quarter and represented a 9.1% drop from the second quarter of 2026. Analysts have attributed the slump to ongoing chip shortages and weak demand in the budget segment, with some projections suggesting the market could contract by as much as 9% over the full year. Industry observers note that recovery is not expected before 2029, and several Tom's Hardware readers indicated they plan to defer upgrades for at least two more years.