Jakarta, INTI - Concerns about a potential memory chip shortage drove a surge in computer purchases throughout 2025, as the crisis is expected to trigger price increases for various electronic devices in 2026, from PCs and mobile phones to home appliances.
Chip demand is increasing rapidly with the development of AI technology, which requires a different type of chip than those used in consumer devices. As a result, chip manufacturers are prioritizing the production of high-performance memory (High Bandwidth Memory/HBM) for AI, resulting in a limited supply of conventional chips and rising prices.
This situation presents electronic device manufacturers with a difficult choice, which is to raise selling prices, or maintain price stability at the expense of improving product specifications and hardware. Furthermore, concerns about Donald Trump's tariff policies and the end of Windows 10 support also drove the increased computer sales in 2025.
Computer Sales in 2025
Research firm IDC reported that PC shipments increased 9.6% year-over-year (YoY) in Q4 of 2025 to 76.4 million units, as reported by FoneArena on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Meanwhile, total PC shipments throughout 2025 increased 8.1% compared to 2024, reaching 284.7 million.
Lenovo remains the market leader, recording 14.5% YoY growth and a 24.9% market share, equivalent to 70.8 million units. HP came in second with 8.4% YoY growth and a 20.2% market share. A total of 57.5 million PCs were shipped throughout 2025.
In third place was Dell Technologies, which recorded slight growth of 5.2% YoY, with a 14.4% market share and a total of 41.1 million PCs shipped.
Apple and Asus ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Each recorded double-digit growth, with Apple at 11.1% YoY and Asus at 13.4% YoY. Apple captured a 9% global market share, while Asus had a 7.2% share. A total of 25.6 million Apple PCs were shipped, while Asus shipped 20.5 million throughout 2025.
Potential Crisis in 2026
While 2025 was a strong year for the PC industry, the market is expected to be under pressure in 2026 due to a memory crisis. Manufacturers are likely to lower average specifications, utilize existing component inventories, and raise selling prices. Large companies are predicted to be more likely to survive and even expand market share, while smaller brands risk being eliminated.
IDC warns that the PC market will experience significant changes in the 12 months of 2026 due to rapidly changing memory supply dynamics. In addition to price pressures, device specifications will likely be lowered to maintain component availability. This shortage is expected to reshape the industry landscape over the next two years, increasing pressure on smaller players and encouraging consumers, particularly DIY PC builders, to delay purchases or redirect spending.
Conclusion
The surge in computer purchases in 2025 was fueled by concerns about memory chip shortage, which is predicted to drive up the prices of electronic devices in 2026. Demand for chips is increasing due to AI requirements, forcing manufacturers to focus more on advanced memory (HBM) and reduce the supply of conventional chips. According to IDC, global PC shipments in 2025 were up significantly, with Lenovo, HP, and Dell Technologies leading the market. However, with pressure and potential memory chip crisis in 2026, manufacturers are likely to lower specifications and raise prices to adjust to supply conditions.
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