Apple’s iPad Maintains Lead in the Global Tablet Market: Report

According to a comprehensive report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), results for the second quarter of the year (2Q21) show significant growth in Chromebook sales year-on-year (as compared to 2Q20), and a continued (albeit slow) rise in tablet sales.

Image: International Data Corporation

While pandemic-induced online learning and remote work have ballooned demand for both types of devices, manufacturers have had to (and continue to) fight tooth and nail for chips and other components amidst a global silicon shortage.

Components and fabrication capacity are often being diverted to other, more profitable products by manufacturers, resulting in staggered production for both tablets and Chromebooks.

In spite of the challenges, both tablets and Chromebooks continue to post impressive sales numbers. While shipments have slowed down as compared to the last two quarters, they still look much better than they did this time last year.

“Opportunities in the education market are still ample for both tablets and Chromebooks. Online learning has gained rapid traction and has pushed forward the digital revolution in the learning space,” said Anuroopa Nataraj, a senior research analyst for the IDC’s Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers.

Apple shipped 12.9 million iPads across the entire product line during 2Q21, up 3.5% from 12.5 million units in 2Q20. Samsung and Lenovo saw a year-over-year growth in tablet shipments of 13.3% and 64.5% respectively. That said, however, Apple still commands the largest share of the tablet market at 31.9%, down only 0.2% from 2Q20.

Image: International Data Corporation

Between 2Q21 and 2Q20, Chromebooks as a whole saw a year-over-year growth in shipments of 68.6%, up from 7.3 million units to a whopping 12.3 million units.

Apple is currently working on a redesigned iPad mini slated to launch later this year, a next-generation iPad Pro for 2022, and a rumoured successor to its baseline iPad.