iPad Vs Nexus 7: Although it may not have anything to do with sales in the United States, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) must still be worried that its iPad is losing ground in Japan. During the holiday season, the ASUS-made Nexus 7 beat out Apple for the number one spot. Does this signify a shift in power in Japan? Is it possible that this could become the trend in other parts of the world as well?
In an article by CNET, citing sources from the Nikkei, things are looking up for the Nexus 7 in Japan. On the other side of things, Apple lost the number one in Japan for the first time since 2010.
Here is a brief synopsis from the article:
“Based on a survey of 2,400 consumer electronics stores in Japan, Google’s Nexus 7 tablet had 44.4 percent of the market versus the iPad’s 40.1 percent, according to Nikkei, Japan’s largest business daily. The survey was done by market research firm BCN in December.”
As you can see, the Nexus 7 has gained quite a bit of market share when compared to the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Not only did the Nexus sell better during the holidays, but it gained roughly 4 percentage points in market share versus the iPad.
Why the change? How come the Nexus 7 was finally able to overcome Apple? While there is no definitive answer to this question, there are a few things that come to mind. Here is one theory from the CNET article:
“Not surprisingly, one of the big draws of the Nexus 7 — which is co-branded with Asus, the manufacturer of the tablet — is price, according to Nikkei. It’s about a $100 less in Japan than Apple’s least expensive tablet, the iPad Mini.”
Once again, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) appears to be losing out because its price point is higher than the competition.
With this in mind, things don’t look bad for Apple all around. The article notes that there is another possibility for the shift in power:
“The survey did note, however, that there was a shortage of the iPad Mini at stores and that this may have contributed to Apple’s market share decline. But the gist of Nikkei’s analysis is that the Nexus 7’s price is a bigger factor.”
While price was definitely a determining factor, things may have been different if Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was able to keep the iPad Mini on store shelves.
Tablet sales are on the rise in Japan, and Apple is hoping to regain its footing in 2013.
What do you think about this survey? Does it signify big trouble for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in Japan?
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DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.
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