IPad Sales Expected to Reach 7M in 2010, 20M By 2012

By

post-36382-image-bb6438b727505ec9cea97d1491f1ddc3-jpg

A day before Apple officially launches sales of the iPad, a new report predicts the Cupertino, Calif. company could sell 7 million of the tablet devices in 2010 and see demand double and triple over the next two years. Although the 7 million figure is just the latest to surpass Wall Street expectations, researchers Friday termed the number “conservative.”

The researchers at iSuppli expect 14.4 million iPads will sell in 2011 and 20.1 million in 2012. Although initial sales will again be driven by first-adopters, researchers see future demand propelled by a growing base of applications, greater features and potentially lower prices.


The iSuppli numbers follow a report by analyst Gene Munster, who told investors earlier this week he expects 2.7 million iPads will sell in 2010 and 900,000 just in the June quarter. The Wall Street consensus calls from between 1 million and 5 million for the first year of iPad sales.

“The iPad represents an intriguing mix of two devices that have struggled to gain traction for year: Internet appliances and tablet PCs.” Rhoda Alexander, iSuppli director of monitor research, said. “Touch is the new standard for user interfaces,” she adds.

Although the research firm sees growing demand for the device, iSuppli describes the iPad as a “huge gamble” for Apple. Unlike other tablets, the iPad is mainly a content presentation device. Because of that, the iPad’s success depends on Apple making enough content available, researchers argue.

“In a sharp departure from past tablet implementations, it appears that Apple has both minimized and maximized the capabilities of the devices, limiting it as a creation device but compensating for this shortcoming by offering a wealth of easily consumable applications. The device’s initial limitations are likely to be overlooked if Apple provides enough content to keep users engaged within the product’s limitations,” iSuppli states.

[via AppleInsider]

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.