Memory shortages will persist well into 2027, according to International Data Corporation (IDC) research manager Jitesh Ubrani. IDC cut its 2026 global PC shipment forecast to a decline of 11.6 percent.
This revision represents a significant downward adjustment from the previous forecast, which projected a drop of up to 8.9 percent for 2026. The updated projection was established prior to the escalation of conflicts in Iran and across the Middle East, which analysts warn could further impact computing industries.
IDC previously cautioned that memory shortages were worsening by the end of 2025. The organization stated that while prices are expected to ease beginning in 2028, the market is unlikely to return to 2025 pricing levels.
“Memory shortages will persist well into 2027,” Ubrani stated. Ubrani added that while prices are expected to ease beginning in 2028, the market is unlikely to return to the pricing levels seen in 2025.
Surging memory costs have already impacted HP, Samsung, Valve, and Framework this year. Industry observers expect other major hardware manufacturers to announce similar price adjustments in the near term.
IDC is a global provider of market intelligence and advisory services for information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. The organization regularly publishes forecasts on hardware shipment volumes and supply chain trends.
