Apple's Mac Unit Sales Drop as Its PC Market Share Climbs
Apple's Mac shipments fell 11.3% year over year in the third quarter of 2026, reaching about 5.9 million units, according to IDC estimates. Even so, Apple's share of the global PC market rose to 9.5% from 8.5%, as total industry shipments plunged 20.1% to 62.7 million. Apple remained fourth in global vendor rankings despite the broader contraction.
IDC's preliminary estimates put Apple's July–September 2026 Mac shipments at roughly 5.9 million, down from 6.7 million a year earlier. Its slice of the global PC market nevertheless widened to 9.5% from 8.5%, keeping it fourth among vendors.
Industry-wide shipments fell to 62.7 million from 78.5 million, a 20.1% annual drop. That was sharper than the second quarter's 3.8% decline and 9.1% below the prior quarter, even though the third quarter usually benefits from back-to-school and holiday preparation.
A prolonged PC slump could affect manufacturers, component suppliers, retailers, and buyers who delay upgrades. Apple's relatively milder decline may help it preserve pricing power and ecosystem loyalty, yet lower Mac volumes could still pressure partners. Students, remote workers, and businesses may face fewer promotions or slower refresh cycles if demand remains weak.