Figures from ABI Research predict tablet sales this year will increase 38% year-on-year to approximately 150 million tablets worldwide, with the total retail value of shipments up 28% to an estimated $64 billion (£42 billion).
Around 60% of tablet shipments in 2012 were Apple iPads using the iOS operating system software while 37% ran Android or derivative platforms, such as Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets. The remaining 3% covered Windows and BlackBerry tablets along with other operating systems.
Jeff Orr, mobile devices senior practice director at ABI Research, said “The tide is definitely turning toward Android-based tablets, though Apple will not slouch as it feels the competition approaching. The iPad mini was a timely introduction in 2012, though ABI Research remains cautious about the bottom line impact this is having for Apple. The first quarter of 2013 should be the first time where production was able to meet market demand and a better sense of how much 9.7-inch iPad volume has switched to the smaller, lower-cost mini will be understood.”