How to Source 2026 AI PCs for the US Market

The 2026 U.S. computer market is defined by a significant shift toward AI PCs and a "premiumization" trend, where record-high average selling prices are offsetting a decline in overall shipment volumes Informa.

Key Market Insights

* AI PC Dominance: AI-enabled computers accounted for nearly 48% of all U.S. shipments in early 2026 Informa. On-device AI is moving beyond simple NPU integration to utilizing discrete GPUs for complex workloads Techinsights.

* Pricing Trends: For the first time, average PC prices in the U.S. have surpassed $1,000, driven by "memflation" (memory price inflation) and the high cost of AI components Informa Gartner.

* Premium Shift: While shipments for entry-level devices (<$699) dropped, the premium segment (>$1,500) saw a 36.8% shipment increase Informa.

* Brand Landscape: Apple is a standout performer with over 32% growth, driven by new MacBook models attracting both business and education sectors Informa Gartner. Dell and HP have faced shipment declines but are maintaining revenue through higher margins Informa.