Telecom Lead Asia: Google Android’s tablet share is expected to increase to 42.7 percent in 2012 from 39.8 percent in 2011.

Apple’s iOS share will slip to 53.8 percent in 2012 from 56.3 percent in 2011.

Windows-based tablets (including Windows 8 and Windows RT) will grab share from both iOS and Android, growing from 1 percent of the market in 2011 to 2.9 percent in 2012, on its way to 10.2 percent in 2016.

Android tablets are gaining traction thanks to solid products from Google, Amazon, Samsung, and others. Apple’s November iPad mini launch, along with its surprise refresh of the full-sized iPad, positions the company well for a strong holiday season.

Thanks to surging Android tablet shipments and demand for Apple’s new iPad mini, tablet sales will touch 122.3 million in 2012.

In 2013, the tablet market will see sale of 172.4 million units. By 2016 shipments should reach 282.7 million units.

“Tablets continue to captivate consumers, and as the market shifts toward smaller, more mobile screen sizes and lower prices points, we expect demand to accelerate in the fourth quarter and beyond,” said Tom Mainelli, research director, Tablets at IDC.

Ryan Reith, program manager for IDC’s Mobile Device Trackers, said: “Android tablet shipments will act as the catalyst for growth in the low-cost segment in emerging markets given the platform’s low barrier to entry on manufacturing. Samsung, Lenovo, and ASUS are all launching Android tablets with comparable to premium products, but offered at much lower price points.”

Tablet Operating Systems, Market Share Forecast and CAGR 2012-2016

Tablet OS

2012 Market Share

2016 Market Share

CAGR 2012 – 2016 ( percent)

iOS

53.8 percent

49.7 percent

20.9 percent

Android

42.7 percent

39.7 percent

21.0 percent

Windows

2.9 percent

10.3 percent

69.2 percent

Other

0.6 percent

0.3 percent

7.7 percent

Grand Total

100.0 percent

100.0 percent

23.3 percent

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker, December 5, 2012

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