Apple Retains Top Spot on Media Tablet Market, But Asus and Samsung Are Closing In

From X-bit Labs: Total available market of media tablets in the second quarter 2012 increased significantly from 18.7 million units in Q1 to nearly 25 million units in Q2. Thanks to the launch of the third-generation iPad, Apple managed to sustain its leadership position with 68.2% market share. Meanwhile, Asustek Computer and Samsung Electronics are closing in and shipments of their tablets are increasing faster than sales of Apple iPad.

Total worldwide tablet shipments for the second quarter of 2012 are estimated at 25 million units; up from 18.7 in the first quarter of 2012, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC). That represents a quarter-over-quarter increase of 33.6% and a robust year-over-year growth rate of 66.2%, up from 15 million units in the second quarter of 2011.

"Apple built upon its strong March iPad launch and ended the quarter with its best-ever shipment total for the iPad, outrunning even the impressive shipment record it set in the fourth quarter of last year. The vast majority of consumers continue to favor the iPad over competitors, and Apple is seeing increasingly strong interest in the device from vertical markets, especially education. While iPad shipment totals are beginning to slow a bit in mature markets where the device saw early traction, growth in other regions is clearly more than making up the difference," said Tom Mainelli, research director of mobile connected devices at IDC.

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