The increasing demand for Apple’s new iPad mini and rise in Google’s Android tablet shipments will drive global tablet shipment to 122.3 million, according to IDC.
IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker revealed that tablet shipments are expected to reach 172.4 million units in 2013 and 282.7 million units by 2016.
IDC Tablets research director Tom Mainelli said that tablets continue to captivate consumers, and as the market’s shift towards smaller, more mobile screen sizes and lower prices points will accelerate the demand in the fourth quarter and beyond.
"Android tablets are gaining traction in the market thanks to solid products from Google, Amazon, Samsung, and others," Mainelli said.
"And Apple’s November iPad mini launch, along with its surprise refresh of the full-sized iPad, positions the company well for a strong holiday season."
IDC expects that Android will have 42.7% of the global tablet share by 2012 when compared to 39.8% in 2011, while Apple’s share will reach 53.8%, drop from 56.3% in 2011.
In the long term, Windows-based tablets are expected to grab total market share from iOS and Android, capturing 2.9% of market in 2012 and moving to 10.3% in 2016.
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IDC Mobile Device Trackers program manager Ryan Reith said that the breadth and depth of Android has taken full effect on the tablet market as it has for the smartphone space.
"Android tablet shipments will certainly act as the catalyst for growth in the low-cost segment in emerging markets given the platform’s low barrier to entry on manufacturing," Reith said.
"At the same time, top-tier companies like Samsung, Lenovo, and ASUS are all launching Android tablets with comparable specs, but offered at much lower price points."
In 2012, eReader shipments will reach 19.9 million units, a decline from 27.7 million units shipped in 2011, the report revealed.
