TrendForce has revised its 2026 laptop shipment forecast downward, but Apple remains unaffected by this situation. Here are the details.

Weak Demand, Rising Costs, and Supply Chain Restructuring Will Play Significant Roles in 2026

TrendForce has updated its outlook for the global laptop market in 2026 and lowered its shipment forecast from previous estimates:

According to TrendForce's latest findings on the laptop industry, global laptop shipments are showing clear signs of weakness. As a result, TrendForce has reduced its annual shipment forecast for 2026 from -9.2% to -14.8%; this reflects expectations of deteriorating end-user demand and rising supply chain costs, indicating a deeper industry correction.

Two main factors led to this downward revision. First, TrendForce notes that there are "macroeconomic winds" for a weaker-than-expected recovery in the consumer market. Second, it states that rising component costs due to the "rapid expansion of computer demand for artificial intelligence" will create additional pressure on pricing across the industry.

From the report's content:

As key component costs continue to rise, laptop brands are gradually passing these increases onto end-user prices to maintain margins.

TrendForce expects prices to continue rising in the coming quarters; this will lead consumers to be more cautious and less willing to make new purchases.

As for Apple, TrendForce emphasized that the company is in a better position to manage these pressures by reducing its dependence on external suppliers and through long-term partnerships and supply agreements:

Apple recently introduced a lower-priced model called the MacBook Neo. Key factors behind this move include its own in-house Apple Silicon chips, which reduce dependence on external CPU suppliers and provide greater flexibility in capacity allocation and cost negotiations. Additionally, Apple's highly standardized product specifications, streamlined model range, and concentrated memory capacities and configurations allow it to scale supply volumes and strengthen long-term contract negotiations.

As a result, TrendForce expects Apple to outpace the broader market, projecting a 7.7% annual growth in shipments by 2026.

Follow this link to read TrendForce's full report.

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