2026 PC/Laptop Outlook Report
Our PC/Laptop Outlook Report series provides a comprehensive look into key trends in end markets and technologies. Unlock detailed analyses, forecasts, and expert perspectives on how the PC/Laptop market will evolve through 2026.
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What’s Driving PC/Laptops in 2026
Driving Innovation
Intel, Samsung Foundry, and TSMC—plan to bring their 2nm-class processes to market in 2026. These introductions will define the competitive landscape for high performance computing, AI acceleration, and advanced mobile platforms.
Managing Cost & Risk
Electromechanical component prices are projected to continue to rise.
Targeting High-Growth Markets
The global PC (e.g., Windows, macOS, Chrome) and tablet (e.g., Windows, iOS, Android) markets are entering a new phase of measured growth and active transformation.
The Five Expectations for PC/Laptops in 2026
1. Tablet segment loses steam while Consumer PC upgrades finish off the Windows 11 upgrade cycle
Worldwide tablet shipments are expected to drop, which will see impacts on market shares for brands such as Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo. Each quarter in 2026 is expected to see a year-on-year increase in notebook PC shipments, with 2026 ending with a 2.2% higher shipment volume for the notebook PC than in 2025.
2. On-device AI expands to support more use cases
High-TOPS NPUs in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-chips and Intel’s Panther and Nova Lake processors will play a key role in increases of AI-enabled notebook shipments. Cloud-based AI remains the benchmark for generative AI applications.
3. Higher tariff-related prices in the US depress PC demand
Tariff related impacts will put pressure on retail pricing, having a negative impact on the growth of the consumer notebook segment. The commercial market provides better positioning, with commercial systems maintaining stability through higher-value sales.
4. Opportunity in mid-market up for grabs
To gain more shares in the mid-market, vendors will inject higher-end features into their mid-range offerings.
5. x86 faces threats from all sides
ARM instruction set, Snapdragon X Elite, and RISC-V architecture put pressure on x86 regarding performance and pricing.
Get expert insights, forecasts, and competitive intelligence from the most trusted semiconductor market authority.
Missed the Outlook Summit Series Webinar? Watch the replay: “5 Expectations for the PC/Laptop Market in 2026.”
