Apple continued its reign in the India tablet PC market throughout 2023, securing a commanding 25 percent share despite a decline in shipments, according to a report released by market research firm CyberMedia Research (CMR) on Monday. The tech giant’s stronghold in the market persisted into the December quarter as well.
Samsung trailed closely behind Apple, claiming the second spot with a 23 percent market share in 2023. While Apple witnessed a 17 percent year-over-year (YoY) decline in tablet PC shipments, Samsung experienced a notable 36 percent growth in shipments during the same period.
The CMR India Quarterly Tablet PC Market Review report highlighted Lenovo’s presence in the market, securing the second position in the December quarter with a 24 percent market share, despite a 3 percent decline in shipments.
Menka Kumari, Analyst at CMR’s Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), emphasized the growing consumer demand for a diverse range of tablet options in India, including premium, 5G, and value-for-money offerings. This trend is particularly noticeable in the business-to-business (B2B) sector and online purchases.
The report noted a robust 21 percent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily driven by strong demand for 5G tablets. Shipments of 5G tablets surged by 43 percent YoY, capturing a significant share of the market. Wi-Fi tablets also performed well, witnessing a 13 percent YoY increase and claiming 52 percent of overall shipments.
Furthermore, the premium tablet segment, priced between Rs 20,000-30,000, experienced a staggering 95 percent QoQ jump, indicating a clear shift towards high-end devices.
CMR forecasts a steady 5-10 percent growth in the tablet market for 2024, driven by technological advancements, a diverse range of product offerings, and evolving consumer preferences. As the market continues to evolve, manufacturers are expected to innovate and cater to the dynamic needs of consumers, further fueling growth in the tablet PC segment.
