14 DAY TRIAL // There was a time when people were laughing their heads off when hearing about Microsoft as a tablet maker, but now everyone seems to have changed their mind, as more people are looking for Windows 10 devices to replace their iPads.
New statistics offered by Strategy Analytics reveal that iPad sales collapsed in 2015, partially because of the drop experienced by Apple in this market. But at the opposite pole, Windows tablets recorded a significant growth that’s expected to continue this year.
Specifically, Apple tablet sales fell by 25 percent in the last quarter of 2015, while the whole market dropped by 11 percent. At the same time, Windows tablets increased by 59 percent last year, while Android fell 7 percent. Apple had the biggest drop in the entire year and lost 22 percent of the share.
Apple down, Windows up
One of the reasons the Cupertino-based firm is going down, analysts explain, is the lack of innovations, as iPads have remained pretty much unchanged over the years.
“Apple suffered big setbacks this year as a lack of innovation during the last several years caught up to iPad sales. Instead, Apple has focused on its MacBooks, iPhone 6/6+, and Apple Watch releases. The launch of the iPad Pro failed to meet expectations during the quarter,” Peter King, research director, Tablet & Touchscreen Strategies service, said.
On the other hand, Microsoft’s Surface tablets sold very well throughout the year, while the Windows sector improved with the addition of several clones that were based on the same approach and ran the latest version of Windows.
“More and more mobile and Tablets with Windows 10 can compete against iOS in the premium and high price bands and equally well against Android in the mid and lower price bands. The Q4 2015 launch of Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book was met with many ‘Surface clones’ by Microsoft's OEM partners at lower price points. This variety of devices will bolster momentum of Windows Tablets going forward,” Eric Smith, senior analyst, Tablet & Touchscreen Strategies service, continued.
Certainly, this can only be good news for Microsoft, as the company is very keen on continuing its release frenzy with more devices, and upgrades for the Surface lineups are expected later this year.