The global tablet dominance once owned by Apple’s iPad is no more.
According to the latest industry data published late last week by ABI Research, Android tablets have enjoyed a remarkable run that is poised to continue for in foreseeable future, especially in fast growing marketers where tablets have yet to reach the same pervasive adoption levels observed elsewhere.
The most mature markets, including North America, Western Europe, Japan and South Korea, are yielding to other regions, such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, where the connectivity infrastructure and distribution channels are coming of age.
ABI Research forecasts that there will be 200 million branded tablet shipments this year—a 20% gain year-over-year from the 166 million shipments in 2013.
Since 2010, the tablet market has been led by North America and its affinity with Apple’s iPad. ABI Research predicts North America will drop below 50% of all branded tablet shipments for the first time.
Continued efforts by Apple, Samsung, and other OEM vendors to find favor in growth markets will result in new distribution channels for retail, network operators and e-commerce.
