According to a recent report by research firm, Apple’s share of the tablet market fell to 54.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, which is down from the previous quarter where Apple’s share of the tablet market was at 61.5 percent. This decline in market share indicates a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the tablet market, which has been traditionally dominated by Apple since the launch of the first iPad.
The report also mentions some information about Android’s share of the tablet market, which has increased due to the release of the new Amazon Kindle Fire tablet which took a 16.8 percent share of the tablet market in the same quarter. The Kindle Fire’s competitive pricing and Amazon’s strong brand presence contributed to its rapid adoption among consumers.
“Amazon’s widely-reported entry into the media tablet market with a $199, 7-inch product seemed to raise consumers’ awareness of the category worldwide despite the fact that the Fire shipped almost exclusively in the U.S. in the fourth quarter,” said Tom Mainelli, research director, Mobile Connected Devices. “As a result, products across the pricing spectrum sold well, including everything from Apple’s premium-priced iPads (which start at $499) to Pandigital’s line of Android-based, entry-level tablets (which start at $120). The success of market leader Apple was particularly noteworthy, as the company’s shipment total for the quarter represents an increase of 110.5% from 4Q10.”
Factors Contributing to Market Shifts
Several factors contributed to the shifts in the tablet market during this period. One of the primary reasons for the rise in Android’s market share was the introduction of more affordable and diverse tablet options. The Amazon Kindle Fire, priced at $199, offered a compelling alternative to the more expensive iPad, making it accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the Kindle Fire’s integration with Amazon’s ecosystem of services, including Prime Video, Kindle eBooks, and the Amazon Appstore, provided added value to consumers.
Another factor was the increasing number of Android-based tablets from various manufacturers, such as Samsung, Asus, and Lenovo. These companies introduced a range of tablets with different features and price points, catering to different segments of the market. This variety allowed consumers to choose tablets that best suited their needs and budgets, further driving the adoption of Android tablets.
Apple’s Response and Future Outlook
Despite the decline in market share, Apple remained the market leader with a 54.7 percent share. The company’s ability to maintain a majority share can be attributed to the strong brand loyalty and the high-quality user experience offered by the iPad. Apple’s ecosystem, which includes the App Store, iCloud, and seamless integration with other Apple devices, continued to attract consumers.
In response to the growing competition, Apple has been focusing on innovation and expanding its product lineup. The introduction of the iPad Mini, a smaller and more affordable version of the iPad, was one such strategy aimed at capturing a larger share of the market. Additionally, Apple has been investing in improving the hardware and software capabilities of its tablets, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of technology.
Looking ahead, the tablet market is expected to continue evolving, with new players entering the market and existing companies introducing innovative products. The competition between Apple and Android-based tablets is likely to intensify, driving further advancements in technology and improvements in user experience. Consumers will benefit from a wider range of choices and better value for their money as companies strive to differentiate their products and capture market share.
Android’s share of the tablet market rose to 44.6 percent in quarter four of 2011, this was up from 32.3 percent in quarter three of 2011. This significant increase highlights the growing popularity of Android tablets and the impact of competitive pricing and diverse product offerings on the market dynamics.
Source Mac Rumors, Techmeme
Image Credit: Digital Trends
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