For years, it’s been a common belief that Android tablets aren’t worth the investment, even for Android phone users. However, recent years have seen a shift in this perception, and a new report now indicates a growing trend in Android tablets, coinciding with Apple’s upcoming iPad launch.
According to a recent report from the IDC, Apple is experiencing a decline in market share compared to Android tablets. Between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024, the iPad’s market share dropped from 35.2% to 32%, resulting in approximately one million fewer shipments between the two quarters.
On the other hand, Android tablet manufacturers have witnessed growth. Huawei, Lenovo, and especially Xiaomi have seen significant increases in their shipments of Android tablets in Q1 2023, collectively accounting for 9.4%, 7%, and 5.9% of the global tablet market, respectively. Samsung, however, experienced a slight decline during the same period, dropping from 23.2% to 21.7%.
Despite the global tablet market experiencing minimal growth – with only 200,000 more units shipped in Q1 2024 compared to the previous year – the increase in Android tablet shipments is noteworthy.
However, this report comes just before Apple’s unveiling of new iPads at its “Let Loose” event. The event is anticipated to introduce multiple new iPad models, a new “Apple Pencil Pro,” and more. It remains uncertain whether this announcement will reverse the current trend observed in the tablet market.
In the Android tablet realm, upcoming releases are expected to include a Pixel Tablet sold without a dock, as well as a sequel to the OnePlus Pad.
Additionally, recent developments in the Android tablet space include Google’s decade-old perfect tablet keyboard and the rumored switch from MediaTek to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the next OnePlus Pad. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 is also offering enhanced trade-ins and a 50% discount on its keyboard case.
