A recent report by TrendForce has revised the 2026 global forecast for notebook shipments, predicting a total of approximately 173 million units, which represents a 5.4% decline from the previous year. This adjustment comes amid rising memory costs and a tepid economic recovery that have been pressuring profit margins for notebook manufacturers.
The report highlights that if memory supply issues persist, the drop in shipments could worsen, potentially reaching 10.1%. However, Apple may be less affected due to its integrated supply chain and strong pricing strategy, allowing for more flexibility in its offerings. The company is expected to leverage its procurement capabilities and predictable demand to maintain advantageous relationships with memory suppliers.
In conjunction with the notebook forecast, the report anticipates a 7.9% decrease in LCD panel shipments, while OLED shipments are expected to grow, albeit at a slower rate. Additionally, a separate report from IDC warns of a possible 9% decline in overall PC shipments for 2026, attributing it to a significant memory chip shortage that could extend into 2027.