More confirmation of what most already assumed: Apple’s iPad dominates the tablet market. Earlier, we reported 80 percent of people considering a tablet plan to buy an iPad. Now comes word from another research firm that Apple owns more than 90 percent of the global market, with Android-based equivalents far behind in the single-digit basement.
According to Strategy Analytics, 95.5 percent of tablets sold in the third quarter bear the Apple logo. In addition, the Cupertino, Calif. company shipped 4.4 million iPads, higher than the 4.19 million Apple reported for September.
“The tablet wars are up and running,” said Neil Mawston, Strategy Analytics Director. “Apple has quickly leveraged its famous brand, an extensive retail presence and user-friendly design to develop the tablet segment into a multi-billion-dollar global business.”
Although competitors, such as the Android-based Samsung Tab “are trailing in Apple’s wake” it is expected to help Android in the fourth quarter make up some of that ground, according to researchers.
However, Apple likely isn’t standing still, waiting for competitors to catch up. The company reportedly is working on an iPad 2.0 that has many of the features available via the Tab: front and rear cameras, faster CPU, more memory, the Retina Display, gyroscopic sensors, and most importantly, a vastly lower price.
ChangeWave Research earlier Tuesday announced the results of an October survey of consumers deciding on the next computer they will purchase. The tablet segment is cutting into netbook sales, with demand for the inexpensive laptops falling 10 percent. By comparison, 26 percent of consumers expressed interest in purchasing an iPad in the next 90 days.
[Barron’s, 9to5Mac]
