A market analysis shows why new computers will soon become noticeably more expensive.
If you are currently thinking about buying a new PC or notebook, you should rising prices and less choice set. The market research company IDC has published a gloomy forecast that predicts a long-lasting crisis. Analysts expect global PC shipments to decline by 11.3 percent this year and average prices to rise by a whopping 17 percent.
Hardware crisis is causing problems for the tech industry
The main reason for this development is the ongoing global shortage of important storage components such as RAM and SSD hard drives. Because the chip industry is increasingly gearing its production to the extremely high demand for components for artificial intelligence, there is less capacity left for the classic consumer market. This shortage is now being felt by PC manufacturers, who are having difficulty filling their warehouses and passing on the higher costs to customers.
The first quarter of the year had given hope with slight growth, but this effect was only short-lived. Many customers were out Worry about rising prices and delivery bottlenecks simply brought forward their purchases. According to IDC, this pull-forward effect has now fizzled out, which is why the second half of the year in particular is likely to be turbulent – a 20 percent drop in sales figures is even expected for the last quarter (source: IDC).
Apple is getting involved: PC prices will probably continue to rise
Another factor in this complex market is Apple. The demand for the company’s notebooks – especially the new MacBook Neo – is further heating up the situation and increasing the pressure.
Although the resulting competition ensures that there will still be some cheaper options on the market, it cannot stop the general upward trend in prices. The experts at IDC agree: There is a noticeable improvement in the situation not before the end of 2027 to be expected.
Anyone who needs a new computer in the next few months will either have to dig deeper into their pockets, live with a limited selection or go poaching from Apple. PC prices are unlikely to return to their pre-crisis levels in the long term.