Tablet Market Share Statistics: iPad v. Android, Q3 2013

Tablet market share statistics: In today’s day and age, there is no denying the fact that the tablet market is more competitive than ever before. There are major players fighting for the top spot, including those powered by the Android operating system, as well as the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad.

According to a recent study by ABI Research, “a shift in leadership is now upon the tablet mobile computing market.”

At the mid-point of the year, ABI Research has identified several events showing that the iPad family of devices is no longer top dog. Instead, Cupertino has “passed the baton” to Android tablets.

The second quarter of 2013 was a big one for the tablet market, with the number of Android devices finally overtaking iOS based devices for the first time. Along with this, it is important to note that the average selling price of the iPad lineup is almost in line with the market average.

While the full size Apple iPad will always have its place in the tablet market, it appears that Cupertino’s smaller device is the one that will have to pick up the slack if the company is going to fight back Android in the quarters to come.

ABI Senior Practice Jeff Orr spoke on this subject saying, “The 7.9-inch iPad mini represented about 60% of total iPad shipments and 49% of iPad-related device revenues in the quarter.”

The tablet market is growing at a rapid pace with shipments in the second quarter generating revenue of approximately $12.7 billion. As if this number is not big enough, we can expect more of the same in the near future.

The average selling price for the iPad declined 17 percent over the past year. Conversely, the rest of the market experienced an increase of 17 percent.

Apple is experiencing such a large drop in its average selling price because of the increased volume shift towards the iPad mini.

There is nothing wrong with competition, and that is exactly what we are seeing in the tablet market at the present time. Android devices are growing in popularity, while the Apple iPad lineup continues to perform well.

If you think the tablet market race is hot right now, wait until we get into full swing of the holiday season. This is when things will really get interesting.

These hedge fund managers continue to invest heavily in Apple, thanks in part to its iPad lineup of devices: David Einhorn, Christopher Hansen, Jeffrey Edwards, Stuart Peterson, and Mark Diker.

Check back here for more updates on tablet market share statistics.

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