Market Forecast for Laptops in 2026
According to an analysis by TrendForce, the global laptop market in 2026 could face a combination of declining demand and rising component costs, potentially driving up prices for mainstream models by nearly 40%. This forecast is driven by a shortage of DRAM memory, more expensive processors, and a manufacturing shift toward high-performance AI chips. This potential price hike comes at a time when consumers are already sensitive to tech costs.
TrendForce's assessment, based on laptops with a recommended retail price around $900, shows that memory and storage currently account for roughly 15% of component costs. However, due to the memory shortage, this share could jump to 30%, potentially forcing manufacturers to raise final device prices by over 30%. The combined share of the processor and memory in the total cost could increase from 45% to 58%.
Broader Impact on the Laptop Market
Further adding to cost pressures, Intel has raised prices for some entry-level and previous-generation CPUs by more than 15%, which will also impact the overall laptop market. Meanwhile, Apple has introduced a new $599 MacBook Neo, powered by the mobile A18 Pro processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. TrendForce estimates shipments of the MacBook Neo could reach 4–5 million units in 2026.
Consequently, these global shifts in the component market may lead to significant changes in laptop pricing, affecting both consumers and manufacturers in the coming years. Given the rising production costs, new models could become less affordable, potentially dampening overall demand, especially in the mid-range and budget segments.
Consumers are advised to monitor prices and new product offerings closely, as market conditions are expected to evolve rapidly.