Average PC Prices Set to Rise 6% to $888 in 2027 as Shipments Drop

PC buyers should brace for higher costs as manufacturers prepare to raise prices in the fourth quarter. New AI PC laptops are scheduled to launch in October, coinciding with these market adjustments. This shift directly impacts purchasing decisions for consumers planning to upgrade their devices in the near future.

Acer and IDC project higher costs and lower volumes for 2026 and 2027

Acer, Lenovo, and ASUS are among the major vendors adjusting their strategies to navigate this changing landscape. These companies are expanding their high-end product lines while simultaneously reducing inventory of lower-end models. This approach aims to maintain revenue stability despite broader market headwinds.

Market projections indicate a significant rise in average PC prices, moving from 837 USD (around $837) in 2026 to 888 USD (around $888) in 2027. This represents a 6 percent increase over the year. Additionally, Acer forecasts that its own PC prices will rise by 5 to 20 percent in the fourth quarter.

Broader industry data from IDC supports these upward pricing trends, with estimates suggesting a general price increase of approximately 20 percent. However, shipment volumes are expected to contract, with global PC shipments projected to decline by 11 percent in 2026 and 4 percent in 2027. IDC also estimates a 4.9 percent drop in global PC shipments for the second quarter of 2026.

The combination of rising prices and declining shipments creates a challenging environment for both manufacturers and consumers. Vendors are relying on premium product mixes to offset volume losses. Buyers will need to account for these cost increases when planning their next hardware purchases.