The world’s six largest PC brands are expected to account for more than 80% of global notebook panel purchases in 2026, as component shortages and rising costs place smaller manufacturers under increasing pressure.

New Omdia data forecasts Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo will collectively purchase 80.4% of notebook panels this year, their highest share since 2021.

At the same time, global notebook panel shipments are predicted to fall 5.5% year-on-year to 221 million units.

Major PC makers accelerated purchasing during the first half of 2026 to secure supplies ahead of potential shortages, with 53% of the year’s forecast panel shipments recorded during the six-month period.

Apple is expected to significantly increase its panel purchases following stronger-than-expected demand for its MacBook Neo range, while Asus recorded growth across Chromebook and commercial devices.

Dell, HP and Lenovo also bought more panels than previously forecast as part of pre-stocking strategies designed to protect their supply chains.

However, demand is expected to slow during the second half of the year as manufacturers attempt to reduce excess inventory and limit financial risks.

Omdia said PC brands began increasing retail prices by between 15% and 30% during the second quarter to offset rising bill-of-materials costs. The higher prices could weaken demand in the mature notebook market and contribute to a further downturn.

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Notebook panel inventory is already more than four weeks above normal levels following the first-half buying spree.

Shortages of memory, processors and other integrated circuits are also making it harder for manufacturers to align panel supply with the availability of other components.

“Smaller and white-box PC brands face an especially difficult supply-chain environment in 2026, as they must manage longer-than-expected lead times for key components,” Omdia Senior Principal Analyst Linda Lin said.

The research firm expects the second half to account for 47% of full-year panel shipments, with the impact of recent PC price increases likely to be a key indicator of demand heading into 2027.