Media tablet shipments reached a record high in 2Q 2012, totaling nearly 25 million units, according to the latest data from ABI Research. Media tablet shipments increased 36% quarter-over-quarter and 77% year-over-year (YoY). ABI forecasts 2012’s total will exceed 100 million units.
Apple iPad shipments accounted for nearly 69% of the total for the period, according to ABI’s preliminary assessment of vendor market share. Samsung (8.1%) and ASUS (4%) tablet shipments also rose in the April-June quarter, while RIM (-1%) experienced the largest decline. In addition, Dell and LG ceased shipping tablets during the quarter as they retrench and plan future offerings, ABI analysts noted.
“Most impressive about Apple’s 17.0 million tablet shipments in 2Q’2012 was it nearly matched 2010 total worldwide shipments of 17.3 million for all vendors,” elaborated Jeff Orr, ABI senior practice director for mobile devices.
“Company representatives noted that nearly 1 million of its iPad 2 devices were shipped to US education customers during the period, which contributed to the company’s growth but also its continuing average selling price (ASP) decline,” they pointed out. ABI Research estimates a 4% drop in ASP for the company QoQ and nearly 19% YoY.
Samsung held on to its second-place ranking in 2Q despite shipment restrictions. Amazon and ASUS ranked third and fourth, respectively.
The tablet market remains a dynamic one, with new tablet offerings in store, including from Google and Microsoft. New tablet introductions will have an impact on Android tablet market share rankings, “both positively from Google Nexus 7 and negatively from Microsoft’s Surface tablets, ABI says.
“The tablet market is on track for 102 to 110 million shipments worldwide for full-year 2012,” according to the Oyster Bay, N.Y. market research firm.
The majority of tablets shipped only come equipped with Wi-Fi, which limits their use to homes, facilities and public hotspots, ABI notes. Less than 27% of new tablet shipments in 2Q 2012 included mobile broadband (3G/4G) connectivity, down 12% YoY. A more competitive marketplace and consumers looking to keep expenses down contributed to the development, ABI says.
ABI’s quarterly reports on tablet shipments are part of the company’s Media Tablets Research Service, which is accessible via its website.
