Gartner Predicts Sub-$500 PC Segment Will Disappear by 2028, Worldwide PC Shipments to Drop 10.4% in 2026

Gartner's Bold PC Market Forecast

Global IT research giant Gartner has issued a striking prediction about the PC market: the sub-$500 entry-level PC segment will disappear completely by 2028. Alongside this, Gartner forecasts a 10.4% drop in worldwide PC shipments in 2026, pointing to a significant structural shift in the industry.

Why the Entry-Level Segment Is Shrinking

According to Gartner's analysis, consumer expectations have risen substantially. Demand for AI processing capabilities, high-resolution displays, and improved battery life means manufacturers are increasingly focusing resources on premium, higher-margin products rather than budget-tier machines. The proliferation of smartphones and tablets for everyday tasks has also eroded the market for cheap PCs.

Implications for PC Gamers

For PC gaming, this trend raises questions about the accessibility of entry-level gaming setups. If the sub-$500 PC segment disappears, the floor for PC gaming could rise significantly, potentially pricing out budget-conscious gamers. The shift reflects a broader industry move toward AI-powered, premium hardware as the new baseline.

Gartner's forecast serves as a key industry indicator and may influence how hardware manufacturers, game developers, and platform operators plan for the coming years.