Strategy Analytics: Tablet Market Growth Hits Seven Year High at 33% but How Long Can This Last?

Samsung tablet shipments nearly doubled compared to a year ago, while Apple achieved a 19-quarter high with over 15 million iPads shipped

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A years-long strategy to transform tablets into low-cost productivity devices is finally paying off. This preparation by major vendors served critical needs in the back-to-school season, as consumers and educational institutions bought a record number of tablets to support the transition to e-learning environments, according to Strategy Analytics’ latest report. As the world approaches a second wave of infections ahead of a long, dark winter, tablets are proving to be credible mobile computing alternatives to notebooks, even as both segments are experiencing record levels of demand in 2020.

The full report from Strategy Analytics’ Connected Computing Devices (CCD) service, Preliminary Global Tablet Shipments and Market Share: Q3 2020 Results can be found here: https://www.strategyanalytics.com/access-services/devices/tablets-and-pcs/connected-computing-devices/market-data/report-detail/preliminary-global-tablet-shipments-and-market-share-q3-2020-results-301020

Eric Smith, Director – Connected Computing said, “We are potentially entering a new era of mobile computing that places a stronger emphasis on productivity in the household, boosting overall mobile computing ownership. Tablets are rightly being recognized for the productivity power they provide at a lower price point than most notebooks while doubling up on the strong entertainment and casual usage in a time when many people are consuming content at home during the pandemic. So while these incredibly high growth rates in 2020 are the result of pandemic-related lockdowns, we see this as part of a longer-term work and learn-from-home trend rather than just a blip on the radar.”

Chirag Upadhyay, Senior Research Analyst added, “The variety of Android options throughout all price tiers helped vendors reach a wide audience as low-cost options for schooling from home; even basic slate tablets are capable of many primary school workloads. Samsung, Lenovo, and Huawei experienced higher shipments and profitability during the quarter in most regions. It is important to note that these three vendors are also on the cutting edge of producing high quality Android and Chrome Detachables at prices generally lower than the iPad competition. Due to shifting Prime Day from July to October in 2020, Amazon showed a -8% year-on-year growth decline during the quarter even with nearly 5 million units shipped.”

Exhibit 1: Most Tablet Vendors Achieved High Double-Digit Growth in Q3 20201

Global Tablet Shipments by Vendor

(Preliminary Results, Millions of Units)

 

Vendor

Q3 ’20

Q3 ’19

Quarterly Growth Y/Y

 

Apple

15.1

10.1

49%

 

Samsung

9.4

5.0

87%

 

Huawei

5.1

3.2

59%

 

Amazon

4.9

5.3

-8%

 

Lenovo

4.1

2.5

61%

 

Others

12.1

11.8

2%

 

Totals

50.6

38.1

33%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Tablet Market Share by Vendor

(Preliminary Results, % of Total Shipments)

 

Vendor

Q3 ’20

Q3 ’19

 

Apple

29.8%

26.6%

 

Samsung

18.6%

13.2%

 

Huawei

10.1%

8.4%

 

Amazon

9.6%

14.0%

 

Lenovo

8.1%

6.7%

 

Others

23.8%

31.1%

 

Totals

100.0%

100.0%

 

Source: Strategy Analytics’ Connected Computing Devices service

Exhibit 2: Apple iPadOS Grabbed Market Share from Android and Windows Segments1

Global Tablet Shipments by Operating System

(Preliminary Results, Millions of Units)

Operating System

Q3 ’20

Q3 ’19

Quarterly Growth Y/Y

Android

30.1

23.2

30%

iOS/iPadOS

15.1

10.1

49%

Windows

5.2

4.6

14%

Chrome

0.3

0.1

103%

Totals

50.6

38.1

33%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Tablet Market Share by Operating System

(Preliminary Results, % of Total Shipments)

Operating System

Q3 ’20

Q3 ’19

Android

59.4%

60.9%

iOS/iPadOS

29.8%

26.6%

Windows

10.3%

12.1%

Chrome

0.5%

0.4%

Totals

100.0%

100.0%

Source: Strategy Analytics’ Connected Computing Devices service

1 All figures are rounded

Source: Strategy Analytics, Inc.

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About Strategy Analytics

Strategy Analytics, Inc. is a global leader in supporting companies across their planning lifecycle through a range of customized market research solutions. Our multi-discipline capabilities include: industry research advisory services, customer insights, user experience design and innovation expertise, mobile consumer on-device tracking and business-to-business consulting competencies. With domain expertise in: smart devices, connected cars, intelligent home, service providers, IoT, strategic components and media, Strategy Analytics can develop a solution to meet your specific planning need. For more information, visit us at www.strategyanalytics.com

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Contacts

US Contact: Eric Smith, +1 617 614 0752, esmith@strategyanalytics.com
UK Contact: Chirag Upadhyay, +44 1908 423 643, cupadhyay@strategyanalytics.com

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