The tablet market, once a booming sector that seemed to be on the decline, appears to be making a comeback. After four quarters of decline, global tablet sales inched up by 1% in Q1 2024, reaching 33.7 million units shipped, according to Canalys. Analysts attribute the tablet sales growth in Q1 2024 to a combination of factors, including increased consumer spending and a more stable global economy.
A market on the rise, but not quite a record breaker
While the growth is certainly positive for the tablet industry, sales haven’t broken any all-time records. Major vendors still shipped fewer tablets in Q1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Despite this, the overall market trend indicates a shift in the right direction, and analysts predict the tablet market will stabilize above pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.
Several factors are contributing to the renewed interest in tablets. Increased competition from new Android players is driving innovation, with features like foldable designs and eye-wear-free 3D content viewing taking center stage. These advancements offer a more versatile and immersive user experience, potentially attracting new customers who might have found traditional tablets lacking.
Apple still leads, but for how long?
Apple, the longstanding leader in the tablet market, retained the top spot in Q1 2024 with a 36% market share. However, their grip on the market appears to be loosening slightly, with analyst reports suggesting a decrease in Apple’s overall share. This aligns with the trend of new entrants taking a larger slice of the pie. With rumors swirling about the release of new iPad models featuring OLED displays, it will be interesting to see if Apple can reignite consumer enthusiasm and regain lost market share.
The tablet sales growth in Q1 2024 data suggests a potential turnaround for the tablet sector. With a renewed focus on innovation, competition from new players, and the promise of exciting new form factors and features, tablets may be poised to carve out a niche in the ever-evolving world of consumer electronics.
