iPad drives even higher tablet sale forecasts

Demand for tablets is set to increase faster than first predicted, according to International Data Corporation (IDC) and it will be driven by Apple’s hugely popular iPad.

IDC’s revised forecast for 2012 has been increased from 106.1 million units to 107.4 million and a whopping 222.1 million units by 2016.

Apart from predicting an increase in the size of the tablet market, IDC also calculated a move towards Apple’s iOS, which only runs on the iPad, and away from Android, which powers many devices from various manufacturers including Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and Motorola.

IDC expects Apple to grow its market share of tablets with the iPad to 62.5 per cent in 2012 – up from 58.2 per cent in 2011.

At the same time IDC expects Android to drop away to 36.5 per cent in 2012 – down from 38.7 per cent in 2011.

“After a very strong launch of new products in March, Apple’s iPad shows few signs of slowing down,” said Tom Mainelli, IDC research director for mobile connected devices.

“The addition of the Retina Display and 4G capabilities to the third-generation products clearly enticed many current owners to upgrade.

“And Apple’s decision to keep two iPad 2s in the market at lower prices seems to be paying off as well.”

Mainellli says if Apple released it rumoured smaller iPad it would have an even larger slice of the tablet pie.

If Apple launches a 7-inch product into the market later this year as rumored, we expect the company’s grip on this market to become even stronger,” he said.

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