iPad represented only 50% of worldwide end user revenues for the first time
During the second quarter of 2013, the number of Android-powered tablets surpassed iOS-based slates for the first time. Tablet-related hardware revenues reached parity between the two ecosystems, and the average selling price (ASP) of iPad is now rapidly approaching the market average, according to a new study.
Android achieved 50.3% of total tablet shipments, which hit 32.4 million for the quarter for combined operating systems. Overall shipments for tablets in the second quarter dropped 17% sequentially, while growing 23% year on year for the same quarterly period, stated ABI Research.
iOS took 45.1% of total tablet shipments, followed by Windows 8 with 4.3% and BlackBerry with 0.3%.
Tablet shipments in the second quarter of 2013 achieved revenues of $12.7 billion. For the first time, iPad represented only 50% of worldwide end user revenues. Apple split the market with all other branded vendors at $6.3 billion in the quarter.
'Smaller seven inch class tablets are finally the majority of shipments,' said senior practice director at ABI Research, Jeff Orr. 'The 7.9 inch iPad mini represented about 60% of total iPad shipments and 49% of iPad-related device revenues in the quarter.'
Similarly, the change in the vendor landscape can be seen through the ASP of tablets. In the past year, iPad ASPs dropped 17% while the rest of market increased by 17%. The iPad drop is primarily attributed to the introduction and volume shift to the smaller iPad mini.
Apple still remains top of the pack in tablets, though its line up has been matched and bested by competitors.
'Twelve months is a long time for the peak lifecycle of a contemporary tablet. To remain a leader, Apple must continue to innovate and address real-world market needs,' added Orr.
