Tag: Tablet Market

  • Apple’s $3,900 20-inch Foldable iPad-MacBook Hybrid on Hold Due to Weight

    Apple’s $3,900 20-inch Foldable iPad-MacBook Hybrid on Hold Due to Weight

    Key Takeaway

    1. Apple has discontinued its “iPad Ultra” foldable project due to engineering challenges and weight concerns.
    2. The high-end foldable iPad prototype was reportedly heavy (around 3.5 pounds) and expensive (at least $3,900).
    3. The underwhelming performance of the current iPad Pro line, coupled with declining demand, influenced the pivot away from a premium hybrid device.
    4. Apple’s upcoming “Ultra” branding will focus on a foldable iPhone Ultra and a touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro, not the iPad.

    Apple’s Project iPad Ultra Dead in the Water

    According to reports, apple have now decided to trash the so called “iPad Ultra” project. This was really a bold idea, a hybrid device that could fold, kinda like a tablet but more like a mini laptop. The main goal was to shake up the tablet market, but it looks like the project won’t be going any further anymore.

    disappointing sales

    The source, a pretty credible leaker named Instant Digital, says that Apple’s design team, led by John Ternus and others, are changing gears. Instead of sticking with the high-end folding tablet idea, they are now focusing on other projects, mainly because the current premium iPad models like the iPad Pro just aren’t performing well enough. Despite being powerful with the latest M4 chip and sporting a fancy OLED display, these high-end iPads can’t seem to catch the buyers’ interest like they used to. Launching a foldable device that is so heavy and expensive just wasn’t the answer.

    engineering hurdles and costs

    The prototype of the foldable iPad, reportedly around 20 inches, was said to weigh about 3.5 pounds (which is nearly 1.6kg). This makes it heavier than some of Apple’s own MacBooks like the 14-inch MacBook Pro or the 15-inch MacBook Air. The supposed price was also sky-high at around $3,900. It’s quite a lot even for a premium device! The internal reports painted a picture of a device that could be difficult to use, balancing power, weight, and price. The engineering challenges seemed just too tough to overcome in time and budget.

    comparing to Huawei and future plans

    If the foldable iPad sounds familiar, it’s probably because it looks a lot like Huawei’s MateBook Fold, which features an 18-inch foldable screen that costs around $3,400. Huawei’s device has been out, and Apple’s team might have been trying to catch up or emulate some of that success. The truth is, Apple is working on other ultra-tier products too, like the foldable iPhone Ultra and a OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro, which is expected a few years from now. But the ambitious Ultra iPad, with its hefty price and complex design, seems to be off the table for now. Looks like Apple’s “Ultra” branding for tablets might have to wait a little longer.


    Sources

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  • Huawei Becomes World’s Fourth-Largest Tablet Manufacturer

    Huawei Becomes World’s Fourth-Largest Tablet Manufacturer

    Huawei has made it into the list of the top 5 tablet makers worldwide in Q3 2024, as per a latest report from IDC. This is a big achievement for the Chinese technology company, which saw a 44.1% increase in the global tablet market compared to the same quarter last year.

    Impressive Sales Figures

    In Q3, Huawei managed to ship 3.3 million tablets, claiming an 8.2% share of the global market. IDC attributes this accomplishment to the company’s dedicated efforts to broaden their tablet range. Over the last nine months, Huawei has introduced multiple models aimed at both budget-friendly consumers and professionals.

    The MatePad SE 11, specifically, has gained popularity among buyers thanks to its appealing price point.

    Industry Insights

    Anuroopa Natraj, a Senior Research Analyst at IDC, noted, “Huawei’s rise into the top 5 marks a significant event in the tablet industry.” She added, “Their focus on competitive pricing and value-oriented products has evidently drawn in new users, indicating that buyers are increasingly looking for alternatives in this segment.”

    Apple still leads…

    Apple continues to hold the top position in the tablet market with 12.6 million units shipped, reflecting a 1.4% year-on-year growth. However, their premium iPad Pro has not seen much success due to its high price. On the other hand, the “Back to School” promotions have increased sales of the iPad Air, helping Apple maintain a market share of 31.8%.

    Other Competitors

    Samsung stands in the second position with 7.1 million units shipped, which gives them a 17.9% market share. Their affordable Galaxy A9 tablet has reportedly done well in various regions.

    Completing the top 5 are Amazon and Lenovo, which shipped 4.6 million and 3 million units, respectively. Interestingly, the global tablet industry itself saw a robust growth of 20.4% in Q3, with total shipments hitting 39.6 million units.

    Looking to the future, Natraj forecasts that “recent advancements in AI will keep shaping consumers’ buying habits.” As AI functionalities become more common in tablets, users might be more inclined to spend on devices that offer these sophisticated features.

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  • Huawei Outshines Apple Again in Tablet Competition

    Huawei Outshines Apple Again in Tablet Competition

    Huawei’s position in the Chinese tablet market has become significantly stronger. For the second consecutive quarter, the tech powerhouse has outperformed Apple in tablet sales, as reported by Canalys.

    Huawei’s Impressive Shipments

    The report indicates that Huawei shipped an impressive 20.5 million tablets in Q2 2024 in China, giving them a substantial 26% share of the market. This achievement not only secures their leading position but also marks a remarkable 66% increase compared to the previous year. The success can be largely attributed to Huawei’s proactive launch strategy. Their varied MatePad series, which includes the newly launched dual-layer OLED MatePad Pro 12.2, appears to be appealing to Chinese consumers.

    Apple’s Decline in Market Share

    On the other hand, Apple, despite having a similar market share with approximately 20.1 million tablets shipped, finds itself in a challenging situation. The company has experienced a 14% drop in year-on-year growth, suggesting difficulties in adapting to the rapidly changing Chinese tablet market.

    Rising Competition from Local Brands

    The competition intensifies with the presence of local brands such as Xiaomi and Honor. Xiaomi secured the third position with 9.25 million tablets shipped, while Honor experienced a remarkable 63% year-on-year growth, landing in fourth place with 6.5 million units. This pattern clearly indicates the increasing competitiveness in the Chinese tablet market, where local manufacturers are presenting enticing alternatives to established names like Apple.

    This surge in competition has positively impacted overall tablet sales in China. Canalys reports a 20% increase in tablet shipments compared to the previous quarter, likely fueled by aggressive online marketing efforts. The research firm also forecasts a 9% rise in shipments for the entire year.

    Future Trends in the Market

    Looking forward, the focus appears to be shifting towards artificial intelligence features. Canalys anticipates that technology companies will utilize AI capabilities to set their products apart and attract consumers in a market that is becoming increasingly crowded with high-performing devices.

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  • Xiaomi 8-Inch Tablet Launch Expected: What to Know

    Xiaomi 8-Inch Tablet Launch Expected: What to Know

    Xiaomi has made a significant re-entry into the tablet market by introducing the Xiaomi Pad 5 series, comprising models with sizable displays. The majority of these tablets boast screens measuring at least 11 inches, with the exception of the Redmi Pad, featuring a slightly smaller 10.65-inch panel. Additionally, there is a model equipped with an impressive 14-inch display, known as the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max 14.

    Hinting at a New Release

    Several Xiaomi executives have recently hinted at the development of an 8-inch tablet on Weibo, marking a potential shift towards smaller-screen tablets for the company. This prospective product is likely in its development stages and could surface in the HyperOS codebase upon completion of firmware builds.

    Future Prospects

    Once Xiaomi finalizes the design and functionality of the tablet, the product will undergo certification processes by regulatory bodies, providing further insights into its specifications and features. Presently, the potential release of this mini tablet remains under consideration, awaiting further developments.

    Market Dynamics

    Notably, Xiaomi has a history of releasing tablets with 8-inch displays, except for the Mi Pad 4 Plus. The emergence of a smaller tablet aligns with the evolving trend towards minimized bezels, categorizing these devices as small or mini tablets. In a market dominated by the Apple iPad mini, Xiaomi's foray into the realm of compact tablets reflects a shift in consumer preferences and technological advancements.

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