Lenovo retained its position as the world’s largest PC maker in the fourth quarter of 2025, as global PC shipments rose 9.6% year over year to 76.4 million units, according to new figures released by International Data Corporation (IDC).
The quarterly growth represents one of the PC industry’s strongest performances in recent years, supported by seasonal demand, major software lifecycle changes, and growing concerns over future hardware supply constraints.
Windows 10 Phase-Out Accelerates PC Refresh Cycle
IDC linked part of the surge in shipments to Microsoft’s upcoming end of support for Windows 10, which has prompted enterprises and consumers to replace older devices.
Beyond replacement demand, PC manufacturers also increased shipments by building inventory ahead of potential trade tariffs and in preparation for a global memory shortage expected to intensify in 2026.
IDC added that the holiday shopping period further boosted volumes, while vendors and buyers moved early to lock in supply amid uncertainty in the memory market.
Lenovo Dominates Quarterly and Annual PC Shipments
Lenovo shipped 19.3 million PCs in Q4 2025, reflecting a 14.4% increase year over year compared with 16.9 million units in the same period of 2024.
Other leading PC vendors during the quarter included:
- HP Inc: 15.4 million units, up 12.1% YoY
- Dell Technologies: 11.7 million units
- Apple: 7.1 million units, up 0.2% YoY
- ASUS: 5.4 million units, up 10.9% YoY
IDC confirmed that Lenovo also finished 2025 as the top PC vendor overall, underlining its strength across both commercial and consumer markets.
Rising Memory Costs Threaten Pricing and Configurations
IDC cautioned that escalating RAM and NAND/SSD prices, largely driven by demand from AI data centres, could reshape PC specifications and pricing strategies next year.
“Beyond the clear upward pressure on system prices, we may also see average PC memory configurations reduced in order to conserve limited inventory,” said Jean Philippe Bouchard.
To counter rising component costs, PC makers are increasingly shifting focus toward midrange and premium devices, a trend expected to lift average selling prices in 2026.
Consumers Advised to Buy PCs Sooner Rather Than Later
IDC suggested that consumers planning to purchase a new PC may benefit from doing so earlier in the year.
“The PC market could look very different in the next 12 months, given how rapidly the memory supply situation is changing,” the firm noted, warning of tighter availability and higher prices in early 2026.
While major vendors such as Lenovo and HP have accumulated memory reserves, IDC warned that these stockpiles may be exhausted within a few months.
Broader Market Implications
Although IDC expects overall PC shipment volumes to remain relatively steady, it projects growth in total market value as suppliers and manufacturers adjust pricing to protect margins.
“Memory shortages are impacting every part of the industry and could significantly alter market dynamics over the next two years,” said Jitesh Ubrani.
He added that prolonged supply constraints could place smaller PC brands under pressure, while consumers, particularly DIY builders, may postpone purchases or redirect spending to other products.
2026 Outlook: Fewer Units, Higher Value
While Q4 2025 marked a notable recovery for the PC market, IDC believes the year ahead will be shaped less by shipment growth and more by component availability, pricing strategy, and vendor adaptability.
As memory shortages deepen and software transitions continue, market leaders like Lenovo appear well-positioned, while the broader PC industry prepares for another phase of structural change.
