Apple Commands 36%+ of Global Tablet Market in Q2 2024
In a stunning display of market dominance, Apple has solidified its position as the undisputed leader in the global tablet arena. The tech giant captured an impressive 36%+ market share in the second quarter of 2024, outpacing competitors and reaffirming its stronghold on the industry.
Record-Breaking Growth
The worldwide tablet market experienced a remarkable surge, with shipments skyrocketing by 22.1% year-over-year in Q2 2024. Total shipments reached a staggering 34.4 million units, according to preliminary data from IDC.
Apple led the charge, shipping a whopping 12.3 million units and achieving an 18.2% year-over-year growth. This impressive performance was largely attributed to the launch of the new 11″ and 13″ iPad Air and iPad Pro models, which reinvigorated the company's tablet lineup.
Apple's Financial Success
During Apple's fiscal Q3-24 financial conference, CFO Luca Maestri reported even more impressive figures. He stated that iPad growth reached 24% in the June quarter, surpassing IDC's estimates. This discrepancy suggests that Apple's actual market share might be even higher than initially reported.
Global Dominance, Chinese Challenges
While Apple's iPad volumes grew across most global markets, the company faced stiff competition in China. Local players like Huawei and Xiaomi presented significant challenges in this key market.
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, noted during the financial conference:
“During the quarter, I should also say that iPad returned to growth in Greater China, as it did around the world.”
This statement indicates that despite the challenges, Apple is making strides even in the competitive Chinese market.
The Competition
While Apple maintains a commanding lead, other players in the tablet market are making moves:
- Samsung: Secured second place with 6.9 million units shipped, representing an 18.6% year-over-year growth.
- Xiaomi: Achieved an astounding 94.7% year-over-year growth, shipping approximately 2 million units.
- Huawei: Shipped an estimated 2.3 million units, capturing a 6.8% market share and recording 40.3% year-over-year growth.
Innovation Drives Growth
Anuroopa Nataraj, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, commented on the industry trends:
“While new entrants to the market focus on their global expansion, long-term leaders continue to focus on improving technology (as in the case of OLED displays for iPad Pros), catering to the need for premium devices, and utilizing the power of emerging technologies like AI.”
Looking Ahead
As the tablet market continues to evolve, Apple's commitment to innovation and premium offerings appears to be paying off. The introduction of new technologies like OLED displays and the integration of AI capabilities may further cement Apple's position as the king of tablets.
With a market share exceeding 36% and strong growth across most global markets, Apple's tablet dominance shows no signs of waning. As the industry moves forward, all eyes will be on the tech giant to see how it maintains its lead and continues to push the boundaries of tablet technology.
Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”