Global PC shipments declined due to memory shortages, marking the first year-over-year decrease since 2020. Despite lower unit volumes, manufacturers maintained rising revenues.
PC shipments fell for the first time in two years as memory component shortages constrained supply. The decline signals a shift after sustained growth in the post-pandemic PC market.
Manufacturers including Dell, HP, and Lenovo shipped fewer units. However, revenue streams remained stable or grew, driven by higher-priced systems and stronger average selling prices.
Memory chip shortages stemmed from continued global supply chain disruptions and strong demand across semiconductors. DRAM and NAND flash production constraints limited PC assembly capacity.
The shipment drop comes as demand moderates following the pandemic-era surge in home computing. Analysts expect supply chain normalization to gradually ease memory availability throughout the year, though pricing pressure may persist. Enterprise and consumer segments both felt the impact, though business purchasing remained relatively resilient.
Samsung has reversed course on its flip phone strategy, allowing the Galaxy Z Flip 8 to run a full Android experience on its cover display rather than limiting it to basic widgets and notifications.
SK Hynix held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $4 billion advanced memory packaging facility in Indiana. Mass production of next-generation HBM chips is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2029.
Chinese automakers are investing heavily in humanoid robots, following Tesla's lead in betting that the technology represents the next major profit opportunity. Technical advances have triggered a wave of new entrants into the sector.