According to a report by Canalys, global PC shipments fell nearly a third in the last quarter, dropping to 79.2 million units. This marks a significant decline from the same period last year, and even below pre-pandemic levels.

Apple’s shipments were hit the hardest, dropping by more than 40% compared to the same quarter last year. This is a significant decline for the tech giant, which has seen a surge in sales in recent years due to the popularity of its MacBook and iMac products.

The decline in PC shipments is largely due to a combination of factors. First, the global semiconductor shortage has made it difficult for PC manufacturers to secure the necessary components for their products. This has resulted in delays and production cuts for many companies, including Apple.

In addition, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to global supply chains and has made it difficult for manufacturers to meet demand. Many consumers are also opting for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, which offer more portability and convenience.

Despite these challenges, there are some bright spots in the PC market. Canalys reports that Chromebook shipments have surged in the last quarter, as many students and educators continue to rely on remote learning. In fact, Chromebooks accounted for nearly 14% of all PC shipments in the last quarter, up from just 9% a year ago.

The decline in PC shipments is a significant development for the tech industry, as many companies rely on these products for their core business operations. It remains to be seen how the market will recover from this slump, but for now, manufacturers are grappling with challenges on multiple fronts as they try to meet consumer demand.