IDC Increases Its 2012 Tablet Forecast, Predicts Android Overtaking iOS By 2016

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Today the International Data Corporation raised its 2012 tablet forecast to 106.1 million units, up from its previous forecast of 87.7 million units thanks to a stronger-than-expected 2011 finish. According to IDC, tablet shipments rose 155%, leading to a full-year 2011 total of 68.7 million units shipped. The IDC credits Amazon for raising consumers’ awareness of the tablet category in 2011 thanks to their popular $199 Kindle Fire.

The Kindle Fire’s success solidified its position as the second most popular tablet with 16.8% market share while Apple remains on top with 54.7% worldwide market share. The introduction of the Kindle Fire along with the myriad of Android tablets popping up also has the IDC forecasting an eventual Android takeover by 2016. Although they forecast Android’s market share dominance, they fully expect iOS to remain the revenue market share leader through the end of 2016 and beyond.

If you ask me, they’re trying to forecast a market with more unknown variables than a highschool algebra test but since it only took Android 3 years to overtake iOS in the smartphone market, it’s definitely plausible. What do you guys think?

Source: IDC via Electronista

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