Global business intelligence and consulting firm TrendForce has revised its outlook for the worldwide laptop market in 2026. The firm highlights a clear trend of further weakening in global laptop shipments, attributing this downturn to deteriorating end-market demand and increasing supply chain costs, which signal a deeper industry correction.
TrendForce anticipates that prices will continue to rise, likely making consumers even more hesitant and cautious about purchasing new devices.
However, one company is expected to fare differently: Apple. According to TrendForce, Apple is better positioned to navigate these pressures due to its reduced reliance on external suppliers and its strategic long-term supply partnerships and agreements.
Key factors contributing to Apple’s anticipated strength include its in-house Apple Silicon chips. These chips significantly reduce dependence on external CPU suppliers, offering greater flexibility in capacity allocation and cost negotiations. Additionally, Apple’s highly standardized product specifications, streamlined model lineup, and concentrated memory capacities and configurations enable it to boost supply volumes and strengthen long-term contractual agreements.
Consequently, TrendForce predicts Apple will outperform the overall market, forecasting a 7.7% year-over-year growth in shipments by 2026.