New data from Strategy Analytics out today clearly shows Apple’s dominant position as the leader among tablet PCs – during Q3 2010, the company’s iPad has captured 95% of the global market share for tablets. That leaves everyone else – Windows, Linux, Android, etc. – with only a 5% share, combined.
But it won’t be this way for long, says Strategy.
According to its research findings, global tablet sales grew from 3.5 million in the previous quarter to 4.4 million in Q3. Out of the units shipped during this period, iPads accounted for 4.19 million.
Android-based tablets, on the other hand, have dropped in market share, going from 2.9% in Q2 to 2.3% in Q3.
Things Will Change in Q4 2010
That trend may soon change, however, as Samsung is launching its Galaxy Tab in the U.S. on November 11th. The highly-anticipated 7-inch Android-based device, and others like it, are expected to help Android’s share rise in the fourth quarter, said SA analyst Neil Mawston.
He also noted that Android and other tablet platforms, including Microsoft Windows 7, Nokia’s MeeGo, HP’s webOS and RIM’s Playbook, are entering a market where they have a lot of ground to make up. “Apple has quickly leveraged its famous brand, an extensive retail presence and user-friendly design to develop the tablet segment into a multi-billion-dollar global business,” Mawston said. The others “are trailing in Apple’s wake.”
