IHS iSuppli Lowers iPad Shipment Forecast
21 Apr, 2011 By: Chris Tribbey
On word that manufacturing and quality-control issues are hindering Apple’s production of the iPad 2, research firm IHS iSuppli has lowered its 2011 shipment forecast for the popular tablet.
The firm said it now believes Apple will ship 39.7 million units of the iPad this year, down 9.1%, or 4 million units, from its original estimate.
IHS iSuppli reports demand for the iPad 2 has far outpaced supply, and that Apple should continue to dominate the tablet market due to the iPad’s advantages in content, marketing and pricing.
“Content represents Apple’s most significant competitive advantage in the tablet market,” said Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research at IHS. “Application development is accelerating for the Android market but still lags far behind Apple. Furthermore, the kind of seamless access to movies, music and other content that Apple can provide is still not in place for the competition.”
However, due to more players in the tablet market, the research firm said it believes Apple will lose its majority position in late 2012 or early 2013. By 2013 shipments of non-iPad tablets are expected to hit 111.1 million, compared with 81.3 million for the iPad.
“While Apple may lose its dominant share, there is no sign yet of a serious opponent to challenge Apple’s place as the tablet market leader at least through 2015,” Alexander said.
|
© 2011 Questex Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact us | Site Feedback
Questex Entertainment : Agent DVD /