Apple's cannibal iPad family
While Apple’s share of the tablet market is still dominant – with 55 percent unit shipment share in the period – competition from tablets powered by Google’s Android OS continue to eat away at Apple’s success.
New data from market intelligence firm ABI Research shows that Apple has maintained its number-one position in the tablet market for ten straight quarters. See: Tablet reviews
However, Apple’s 55 percent share is its lowest since launching the iPad in 2010.
“With the introduction of a smaller, lower-cost iPad mini, Apple has acknowledged Android’s beachhead of 7-inch-class tablets, though at the same time, it has failed to deliver a knock-out punch through innovation, pricing, and availability during the most critical selling period of the year,” says senior practice director Jeff Orr.
Following Apple in shipment share this past quarter were Samsung, Amazon, and ASUS.
Rather than steal share from Android, ABI Research believes the iPad mini has caused demand for the new iPad 4 models to shift down-market.
Limited availability of iPad mini could be the saving grace as end-of-year buying ramps.
Nearly 14 percent share was given up in the quarter to several benefactors, including Amazon (Kindle Fire review), Google (Nexus 7 review), and Samsung.
Android now powers more than 44 percent of tablet shipments. See: Android tablet reviews
“As the OS of choice for the majority of device OEMs, we expect the Android ecosystem to continue growing in numbers – new manufacturers, better device choices for reaching more markets, and more developers finding value from apps and content,” adds Orr.
Comments
Dhomer24 said: Well I have to say I was looking for a 7 tablet myself I wanted something small and light to carry around Looking at everything from google amazon and apple I decided on the ipad mini It was a very polished device and I actually found going on this sight and many sights like it very helpful This is my 1st apple product and I am very impressed
ML4 said: No I was not related I dont know why you say its outdated Even my iPad 2 works great and thats why I chose the iPad mini with the same chip Its still a very smooth a capable machine I love the Apple ecosystem too You will not convert me to Android I might be tempted to Microsoft though Google must be struggling too Thats why they are trying to get me to restart my Google Adwords campaign with 2 months free
ML4 said: It doesnt need a retina display its a great screen as it is
ML4 said: Yes I agree Just trying to hype up Android I already own a standard iPad and have now ordered a 64Gb wifi and cellular iPad mini I could have purchased the Nexus 7 but feel it lags despite a 4 core chip
James Olney said: The problem with this sort of reporting is it doesnt define market size Apple pretty much had it all to itself before Yes their market share is down but their sales are way up for the simple reason that the market has grown massivelyThe amount of people owning a tablet now compared to 2 years ago is huge So trying to make it look like a failure in any way is just bad reporting and misleading at bestApple are doing very very well out of their tablets and phones and it really doesnt matter about Android sales as long as Apples continue to grow
Grandpa-Pete said: These results are no surprise to meIf the iPad mini had the retina display then Apple may well have been able to pinch some of the Android market As it is the iPad mini is overpriced for what it deliversI have a first generation iPad with 3G - when I come to upgrade I want a much faster processor greater memory retina display cameras front amp back and the opportunity to use PAYG mobile internet at a reasonable price although I use mainly WiFi Not interested in 4G its a rip-offHad a look at some Android tablets not impressed so am sticking with my current iPad Would be interested in the iPad 4 but its only available in WiFi only version
Johnsmwright said: In all honesty I seriously doubt whether many prospective purchasers will follow your purchasing decision Someone parts with hard earned I hope money for a piece of outdated equipment at the same time as you come to a decision on rejecting Android in favour of Apple Seems a strange coincidence Might you and Someone be related
ML4 said: Just been in to Currys - PC World and looked at the tablets in the store There were stacks of Android tablets plus an iPad 3 and iPad mini on display While I was looking around someone brought the iPad 3 I asked why he did not go for one of the other tablets or even the mini iPad He said he just dont like the Android OS and they churn them out 2 a penny He said he has an iPhone 5 but prefers the old dock connection I brought and iPad mini case so I have it when my iPad mini 64Gb cellular arrives I ordered one online with Apple this evening I played around with the Android tablets but was not tempted even at the cheaper price