Apple has had massive success with their iPad, and according to a recent report by research firm Canalys, in the final quarter of 2012, one in six PCs shipped was an Apple iPad, and tablets made up a third of all PC shipments for the same quarter.
Apple’s growth in the pad segment was driven by strong demand for the iPad mini. Its overall shipments, however, were hampered by supply issues. Canalys estimates that the mini made up over half of Apple’s total pad shipments, with its attractive price point and compact design leading to significant cannibalization in the iPad range and wider PC market. Despite record shipments, Q4 saw Apple’s pad share dip to 49%, becoming the first quarter it has not controlled over half the market. ‘Apple timed the launch of the iPad mini well,’ said Pin-Chen Tang, Canalys Research Analyst. ‘Its success proves there is a clear demand for pads with smaller screens at a more affordable price. Without the launch, Apple would surely have lost more ground to its competitors.’
Impact of the iPad Mini on the Market
The introduction of the iPad mini had a profound impact on the tablet market. The smaller, more affordable device appealed to a broader audience, including those who found the standard iPad too large or too expensive. This strategic move by Apple not only attracted new customers but also encouraged existing iPad users to purchase the mini as a secondary device. The iPad mini’s success demonstrated that there was a significant market for smaller tablets, which prompted other manufacturers to follow suit and release their own compact tablets.
However, the popularity of the iPad mini also led to some challenges for Apple. The strong demand for the mini resulted in supply constraints, which affected overall shipment numbers. Additionally, the lower price point of the iPad mini meant that it cannibalized sales of the more expensive standard iPad models. Despite these challenges, the iPad mini’s success helped Apple maintain a strong presence in the tablet market and fend off competition from other manufacturers.
Broader Implications for the PC Market
The rise of tablets, particularly the iPad, had broader implications for the PC market as a whole. The fact that tablets made up a third of all PC shipments in the fourth quarter of 2012 indicated a significant shift in consumer preferences. Tablets offered a more portable and user-friendly alternative to traditional PCs, making them an attractive option for a wide range of users, from casual consumers to business professionals.
This shift in consumer behavior forced traditional PC manufacturers to adapt and innovate. Many companies began to develop their own tablets and hybrid devices that combined the functionality of a tablet with the power of a traditional laptop. This trend towards more versatile and portable computing devices has continued to shape the industry, leading to the development of new form factors and technologies.
You can see more information on the report over at Canalys, it is impressive to think that out of all computers shipped in the fourth quarter of 2012 one in six was an iPad and one third was a tablet.
Source Canalys
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