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2Demand for Tablets Is Actually Down
There’s less demand for tablets than just about any analyst had expected. Although tablets are still selling to the tune of hundreds of millions of units, there are fewer people in the market looking for a new slate. That might change if a major company, like Apple, rolls out a new device that dramatically changes the predominant device design, but for now, according to IDC, demand looks like it won’t rebound.
3Shipments Will Decline Based on Previous Forecasts
4Sales Growth Is Slowing Sharply
5Tablets Have a Longer Shelf Life Than Expected
So, what’s affecting demand for tablets? According to IDC, devices are serving their purposes longer than expected. IDC reports that tablets are lasting several years for users, and when they decide to buy a new one, they give the older model to a family member, effectively eliminating that second possible sale. It’s causing a dramatic shift in our understanding of the tablet space.
6Phablets Are Cutting Into Tablet Sales
Surprisingly, phablets are becoming a major problem for tablets, as well. The devices, so-called because they are bigger than typical smartphones but smaller than tablets, are gaining in popularity. According to IDC, many of the people the company surveyed said that the phablets’ large screen size was enough for computing needs, eliminating their need for a tablet.
7So-Called 2-in-1s Will Greatly Impact the Market
Microsoft might be on to something with the Surface Pro 3. Although IDC doesn’t believe the Surface Pro 3 will greatly impact the tablet market, the idea that a slate will be both a small notebook and a tablet is expected to gain popularity in the next year. That will help the tablet market, but cause a slight shift in buying preferences that companies must be prepared for.
8Smaller Tablets Are in Less Demand
9The Midrange Is Still the Sweet Spot
10Big Tablets Will Grow in Popularity
11Windows Tablet Market Share Will Rise
Windows currently has a small share of the tablet market, but that will change soon. According to IDC, Windows’ share of the tablet market will “double between now and 2018.” That doesn’t necessarily mean the share of Microsoft-branded tablets will double, but Windows will gain in popularity.