How long can we realistically expect the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad mini to hold off the competition? Cupertino has had great success in the tablet market for a few years, but this is a dual edged sword. On one side of things, this success has pushed the company to new levels. On the other side, it has brought forth a fresh group of competitors, including Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), who are interested in getting in on the action.
A new tablet alone is sure to help the mini retain its spot at the top of the market.
Who is Targeting Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)?
Tim Cook is not stupid enough to think that Apple is never going to feel the heat in the tablet market. With so much growth set to occur in the years to come, it is only natural for other companies to consider a strong push.
A recent article published by Digitimes, written by Max Wang and Joseph Tsai, suggests that a variety of competitors are suiting up to take on Cupertino. These include Samsung, with the help of the Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android operating system, as well as HP, Asustek, and Lenovo.
With eight inch tablets picking up steam, the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad mini, along with others, are taking a major toll on both seven inch and ten inch models.
Seven inch models have less usable screen size and ten inch models cost more. This makes eight inch tablets the “sweet spot.”
A Cheaper Price?
It is possible that Apple would lower the price of its popular iPad mini in an attempt to better compete with the growing number of competitors? This is not a tactic the company ahs employed in the past, however, it shouldn’t be ruled out.
The Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Nexus 7 appears to be a serious competitor, especially with its starting price of $229, which is $100 less than the cheapest mini.
Brooke Crothers of CNET mentions that many features of the iPad mini and Nexus 7 are similar, including the pixel density – an area in which Apple previously had the lead.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has the lead in the tablet market, and will do everything it can to hold on. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), among other competitors, will continue to fight for market share.
If the iPad mini is to hang onto its lead, innovation is essential. Cupertino needs to give the people something they cannot get from any other tablet. And of course, a cheaper starting price wouldn’t hurt either.
Are you as excited about the future of Apple as hedge fund managers David Einhorn and Christopher Hansen? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
The following video will give you a better idea of what the iPad mini has to offer:
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