In the second quarter of 2023, global tablet shipments reached 28.09 million units, marking a decline of nearly 5% from the previous quarter. This performance is reported by DigiTimes Research, a firm known for its analytics on the device market.
During this period, tablets with 10-inch displays dominated the market, capturing roughly seven in ten shipments. Market observers attribute this trend to the preference of Apple and other leading brands for what many consider the standard reference size in tablets. Nevertheless, DigiTimes also notes that several brands may shift toward smaller form factors in the third quarter, which could reduce the share of 10-inch tablets in overall shipments.
Looking ahead, DigiTimes projects that Apple plans to unveil a new compact tablet, potentially a seven-inch model, by the end of 2023. This device is anticipated to be the seventh-generation iPad mini, signaling a continued push into compact tablet designs for flagship manufacturers.
Analysts expect the tablet market to experience growth in the later months of 2023, specifically the third and fourth quarters, driven by seasonal demand tied to the back-to-school and holiday shopping windows. However, the forecast emphasizes that this growth is likely to be uneven and sensitive to broader macro conditions and promotional activity. As a result, some predictors anticipate a return to softer demand as the calendar turns to 2024.
Earlier in the year, Samsung introduced updates to its budget smartphone lineup within the Galaxy A series, reflecting broader brand strategy shifts that also influence consumer expectations for accompanying tablet devices and accessories.
Overall, the market for tablets in 2023 demonstrates a clear preference for mid-size displays, with a strong emphasis on the 10-inch category while showing openness to smaller options that may redefine consumer choices as manufacturers adjust their portfolios in response to evolving demand, competition, and seasonal sales cycles. [DigiTimes Research]