Tablet Shipments Experience Largest Decline since Inception
June 29, 2015 | Business WireEstimated reading time: 1 minute

For branded tablets, the year 2015 is off to a rocky start. For the first time since inception, the popular consumer item experienced its largest QoQ decline to date of 35%. In addition, tablets experienced its largest YoY decline of 16%. According to marketing intelligence firm ABI Research, there is no denying the market is losing its momentum and leading vendors are feeling the squeeze.
Apple and Samsung have been key market players and continue to dominate a significant majority of the tablet market. “2015 is the pivotal year for smaller, competing vendors to step-up, build their business, and gain market share in advanced and emerging markets,” says Senior Practice Director Jeff Orr. “The tablet market lacks a truly competitive playing field needing a strong third even fourth vendor to drive the market out of stagnation.” Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo all show promise for claiming those spots but need to focus on building their businesses especially in markets where purchase decisions are still largely to be made.
The slowdown does not necessarily mean the end of the tablet market. Tablets are still popular among consumer households and even have a practical purpose for many businesses and the education sector. The underlying issues of this specific device are longevity of use, price, and market competition. The market is simply adjusting to tablets finding their niche. “That initial growth the market experienced may never happen again for tablets, but they are still a strong force in the market,” continues Orr. This year could be defining for tablets with ABI Research expecting the market to remain relatively stagnant unless smaller vendors manage to shake up the market and create a truly competitive landscape. And the potential for that realignment still remains.
About ABI Research
ABI Research provides technology market research and technology intelligence for industry innovators. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Dan’s Sales Guide: Master Your Sales Game in 2025 and Beyond
07/30/2025 | Dan Beaulieu, D.B. Management GroupIndustry veteran Dan Beaulieu has compiled more than 80 of his favorite sales tips and suggestions to help you create your own sales and marketing playbook. “I’ve been in this business for over 40 years, and I’ve seen companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on equipment, expand factories, rebrand multiple times, and hire consultants until the parking lot is full,” Dan says. But when it comes to time for companies to invest in something that will actually grow their revenue, Dan has found that their sales and marketing strategies aren’t as strong as they should be. However, there's a solution.
From Attraction to Action: Where Marketing Ends and Sales Begins
07/29/2025 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007Before a PO hits the system, marketing has already done a lot of heavy lifting. Without strategic marketing, the PO might never arrive. At I-Connect007, we have been fortunate to help many companies achieve sales success through marketing. The key to success? Understanding how marketing leads to sales.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/25/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007In industry news this past week, I’m putting a focus on sustainability in electronics by highlighting my interview with Kelly Scanlon and Corey Dehmey, and Nolan Johnson’s Meet the Author podcast with Beth Turner of MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. I also chose to spotlight the M&A activity and outlook in the U.S. market and regional market news in India and Mexico.
Accelerated Brand Expansion Reshapes Foldable Phone Market; Apple’s 2026 Entry May Ignite Industry Breakthrough
07/22/2025 | TrendForceTrendForce’s latest forecast estimates that shipments of foldable phones will reach 19.8 million units in 2025, maintaining a market penetration rate of around 1.6%, on par with 2024.
Punching Out: M&A North American PCB and EMS Deals for the First Half of 2025
07/23/2025 | Tom Kastner -- Column: Punching Out!As we entered 2025, the M&A deal world was prepared for a busy year in electronics, plus sentiment for the overall M&A market was bullish. We had “a deal guy” entering the White House, and he’d pledged to support U.S. manufacturing. All signals were green. However, to date, M&A deals this year are around the same as in the first half of 2024.