Apple iPad family declines in market share

Apple's iPad range has dominated the tablet market, however, as of Q3 2012, the market share of the iPad is at its lowest since its initial 2010 release. A report released by research company ABI Research on 27 November 2012 offered figures of 55% global tablet market share for the iPad, which if accurate, would signify a considerable fall of 14% from the last quarter.

The main reason for the decline is the continuing popularity of Android powered devices, especially those produced by Samsung, Asus and Amazon. ABI's report goes on to state that the Android share of the tablet market stands at 44%, which leaves just a small share of the market for Windows-based devices and BlackBerry Tablet OS.

The recent introduction of the iPad Mini demonstrates that Apple recognizes the demand for 7.9-inch devices, although ABI's report suggests that the iPad Mini sales are simply replacing regular iPad sales as opposed to denting the Android share of the market. Android is expected to be the dominant OS in the tablet market in 2013, taking into account all brand devices that can use Google's software.

Whether ABI Research's report is entirely accurate could be disputed, for example, 88% of tablet sales on Black Friday (23 November 2012) were for iPads, suggesting Apple's device is still far ahead of its Android competitors.

Source(s)