Apple Inc. (AAPL) Trails Samsung in Tablet Innovation with Help of Google Inc (GOOG): ABI

Many people have come to expect a battle between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android in the smartphone market. However, you may be surprised to find that things are not going nearly as smooth (at least according to this report) any more for Cupertino in tablet market.

ABI Research recently published a report focusing on Samsung’s lead over Apple in its Media Tablet Competitive Assessment.

Reports like this don’t necessarily mean much to guys like Tim Cook and Larry Page, however, consumers and investors often times keep close tabs on what is going on in particular markets.

Of the top 19 tablet vendors in the world, Samsung was the winner in the innovation category. This is not good news for Apple, as some continue to feel that the company has lost its edge in terms of providing innovative products.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad Still King

Samsung, with the help of the Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android operating system  may have come out on top in ABI’s latest research study, but this doesn’t mean Apple has lost its spot at the top in in terms of tablet shipment volumes.

The two companies continue to win big in the smartphone space, and are now pulling away from tablet vendors.

Why is Samsung being called more innovative than Apple? According to the report, the vendor scored well for its component technology, tablet portfolio, and “leadership in owning much of the component technology used in its products.”

Senior practice director Jeff Orr was quick to point out that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is still performing well, but others, including Samsung, are coming on strong:

“Apple’s success with iPad tablet shipments is undeniable. Looking ahead, the breadth of Samsung’s product portfolio and technology ownership give it a leadership role for future tablet development.”

Cupertino may be looking to make some changes to its iPad lineup in the near future. For example, Julian Horsey of Geeky Gadgets posted leaked images of an iPad with a silver rear casing. A change like this could help the company attract more consumers.

There are going to be times when it appears that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is losing steam in the tablet market. One such time is right now, according to ABI Research. Even though Cupertino may not have come out on top in every portion of the ABI study, it is winning where it matters most: shipment volume.

Are you holding steady with your investments in Apple, much the same as David Einhorn, Christopher Hansen, Jeffrey Edwards, and Mark Diker?

Check out the video below for more information on the iPad:

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