Skip to main content

Apple leads tablet market as detachable devices continue their rise

The report of the International Data Corporation (IDC) on the health of the tablet market is out, and it brings with it very few surprises. Apple continues to dominate the tablet market, shipping almost as many tablets in the final quarter of the year as the second and third place manufacturers (Amazon and Samsung) combined. While sales of 13.2 million units (m.u.) only comes out to a 0.6-percent rise over last year’s 13.1 m.u. in the fourth quarter, Apple still saw an increase in sales over the whole of 2017, with sales rising 3 percent from 42.6 m.u. to 43.8 m.u.

However, the real winner in the fourth quarter and across 2017 has to be Amazon, who saw sales rise by an amazing 50.3-percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter of 2016, overtaking Samsung for second place, and seeing an increase over the year of 38 percent. Not yet enough to overtake Samsung’s sales throughout 2017, but certainly enough to worry Samsung for 2018.

Recommended Videos

Amazon’s success is likely down to dominating much of the low-end tablet market, offering its Fire tablets for a significant discount over the holiday period, and attaching its Alexa voice assistant into the devices. Huawei too had a good year, overtaking Lenovo in both the fourth quarter and in terms of annual sales to take over the fourth place position on the tables.

Despite these success stories, the overall tablet market saw a decline this year, falling 7.9 percent in the fourth quarter and 6.5 percent across 2017. However, it’s not all bad news, as within the tablet ecosystem sales of detachable tablets (tablets designed to work with detachable keyboards) continued their rise, with sales climbing by 1.6 percent over 2017. While this is a drop from the 24 percent growth seen in 2016, analysts put this lack of growth down to the delay in the launch of 2017’s Microsoft Surface device. They also warn that while the high-end range is well accounted for in detachable tablets, a solid mid range is what’s required to ensure further growth in this area.

“With the first wave of Windows on ARM products expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2018, we believe the detachables category has the potential to continue its growth trajectory,” said Lauren Guenveur, senior research analyst for IDC devices and displays. “Many of these products are being introduced at the premium end of the market. What remains glaringly sparse, and needed, are strong players in the mid-segment of the market.”

While old-fashioned “slate-style” tablets continue to sell, primarily as a means of consuming media more efficiently, the rise of detachable tablets may indicate tablets are increasingly finding a role as productivity machines, thanks to their slim profiles, light weight, and powerful hardware. The report warns that while some manufacturers like Lenovo are all too happy to follow the trend towards detachable tablets, others would be wise to increase their efforts in that space, judging by its growth. Huawei, in particular, could be in for a rude shock in the future should it not heed this advice.

Mark Jansen
Former Mobile Evergreen Editor
Mark Jansen is an avid follower of everything that beeps, bloops, or makes pretty lights. He has a degree in Ancient &…
Fortnite finally comes back to Apple devices via GeForce Now
Spider-Man in Fortnite.

Nvidia announced today that it's bringing Fortnite back to Apple platforms with an open beta on Android and iOS devices through its cloud gaming service, Nvidia GeForce Now. This limited-time testing will take place on the Nvidia GeForce Now Android app and the iOS Safari web browser. Note that it's the Apple web browser, not an app.

GeForce Now members can sign up for the open beta before it starts next week. However, there's limited space available, so everyone who signs up won't necessarily receive an invite. Those who want to participate but don't yet have a Nvidia GeForce Now account can sign up for free.

Read more
Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Apple Watch Series 7 Announcement Screen.

The Apple Watch Series 7 is the latest iteration in Apple's pursuit of smartwatch perfection. Contrary to rumors, it retains its elegant "squircle" design and marries it to a range of welcome upgrades. These include a Retina screen that's 20% larger than the display on the Apple Watch Series 6, 33% faster charging, a more durable glass for its touchscreen, and a 70% brighter always-on screen. On top of this, it includes all of the great health-tracking features of its predecessors, a highly capable processor, and some very slick software.

Apple aficionados would probably tell you it's the best smartwatch by anyone anywhere. However, others may suggest that Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic gives it a very good run for its money. In contrast to Apple's flagship wearable, it sports a more traditional design that eschews a squarish shape for a full circle. That said, it still offers a wide range of modern smartwatch features, including comprehensive fitness tracking and a rotating bezel that makes it a joy to use. It is possibly the best smartwatch Samsung has ever made, but how does it fare against the Apple Watch Series 7?

Read more
Amazon Echo vs. Apple HomePod: Which has better speakers?
The Amazon Echo 4 on a counter.

If you haven't jumped into the smart speaker pool, it’s probably because it’s a tough decision. Choosing a smart speaker isn't just about picking a model with the best sound quality or the color that matches your living room. Smart speakers also have major smart home control properties and can play nicely with some music services, streaming TV channels (if you opt for a speaker with a screen), or home security systems.

A smart speaker opens the door for expanding your smart home portal. Since most of us won’t buy a smart home speaker to work with a Ring Video Doorbell and another to manage Apple’s HomeKit via your iPhone, you'll want to choose carefully. For a lot of buyers, that comes down to a choice between Apple HomePod or Amazon Echo (and if you're short on space it might just be HomePod Mini versus Echo Dot).

Read more