While IDC expects that the global smartphone market will continue to grow well into 2019 albeit at a slower rate than we’ve seen in recent years, tablet shipments and 2-in-1 devices are set to shrink this year. According to the latest IDC Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker, shipments are set to drop 3.8% to 221.8 million units this year.
While overall tablet shipments are set to drop, IDC expects that there will be some segments of the category that could see strong growth. It is particularly optimistic about cellular-capable tablets and convertible devices.
“We’re seeing cellular-capable tablets and 2-in-1 devices experience important growth in certain parts of the world and we think this represents a huge opportunity for the entire tablet ecosystem,” said Jean Philippe Bouchard, Research Director, Tablets. “Those cellular-connected devices fill multiple needs for vendors and carriers around the world; they offer a quick solution to price and margin erosion, and when compared to smartphones, they offer a less expensive way for carriers to increase their subscriber base.”
Despite a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%, these devices make up too small a portion of the overall market to counter the decline of other devices.
The report also found that demand for small-screen tablets continues to shrink as users continue to pick up smartphones with larger displays. By 2019, they are expected to account for less than 50% of all tablet sales.
Source : IDC