Apple’s iPad Sees 68% Q2 Tablet Market Share Amid Anticipated Competition from Windows 8, Amazon, and Nexus Devices
The release of the $199 Kindle Fire tablet by Amazon last autumn sparked widespread speculation that it could finally provide a viable competitor to Apple’s dominant iPad. However, recent numbers from IDC suggest that this may not be the case, at least for now.
Record-Breaking iPad Shipments
According to IDC, quarterly tablet shipments worldwide reached 25 million in Q2, with Apple taking the lion’s share of the market. The company’s new iPad launch in March contributed significantly to its success, with record-breaking shipments of over 17 million units. This represents a market share of 68%, up nearly 7 percentage points from last year.
Amazon’s Struggle to Gain Ground
Despite Amazon’s efforts to compete with the iPad, its Kindle Fire tablet has struggled to gain significant traction in the market. Estimated shipments for Q2 stood at 1.3 million units, which puts it behind Samsung’s 2.4 million sales worldwide and ahead of other global players like Asus and Acer.
Growing Competition in the Tablet Market
The tablet market continues to grow rapidly, with IDC reporting a 66% increase in shipments compared to Q2 2011. The largest players are outpacing this growth rate, with Apple seeing an impressive 84% increase, Samsung at 118%, and Asus at 116%. Amazon’s Kindle Fire, which launched in Q4 2011, has yet to report a comparable number.
Why Consumers Prefer the iPad
According to IDC research director Tom Mainelli, consumers continue to favor the iPad over competitors. Apple is also seeing strong interest from vertical markets, particularly education. However, Mainelli notes that iPad shipments in mature markets are slowing down, while growth in emerging markets makes up for this difference.
Curve Balls Ahead: Google Nexus 7 and Windows 8 Tablets
IDC points out a few curve balls that could impact the tablet market in the second half of the year. These include:
- Google/ASUS Co-Branded Nexus 7 Tablet: This device has faced production delays but has received largely positive reviews. Its $199 price point is competitive with Amazon’s Kindle Fire.
- Amazon’s Potential Bigger Tablet and Apple’s Smaller iPad : Amazon may release a larger tablet, while Apple may debut a smaller iPad. These new devices could potentially disrupt the market.
- Windows 8 Tablets: Microsoft will launch its Windows 8 and Windows RT-based tablets in late October. IDC notes that this influx of new products could actually strengthen Apple’s position.
The Advantage of Being the Market Leader
IDC vice president Bob O’Donovan suggests that being the market leader has significant advantages. "When you’re a large company like Apple, you have more resources to invest in innovation and marketing," he explains. This allows companies like Apple to maintain their dominant position in the market.
Conclusion
The battle for tablet supremacy is far from over. While Amazon’s Kindle Fire has struggled to gain ground against the iPad, it remains a viable competitor. The release of new devices and platforms will continue to shake up the market, but for now, Apple appears to be firmly in control.
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