In 2023Q1, global tablet shipments fell by 18% year-on-year

In recent days, market research firm TechInsights released a new report, revealing that due to a global economic deceleration and product demand stagnation following the COVID-19 pandemic, tablet computer shipments have declined to pre-pandemic levels.

Amidst this challenging macroeconomic climate, demand for mobile computing remains subdued, with educational requirements experiencing a seasonal nadir. The removal of pandemic restrictions in many regions has only served to further diminish demand for tablet computers. In the first quarter of 2023, global tablet shipments amounted to 33.5 million units, representing an 18% year-on-year decline.

Undoubtedly, Apple continues to dominate the tablet market as the leading supplier, shipping 12.7 million units, a 20% year-on-year decrease, and holding a 38% market share. Samsung trails closely behind as the largest Android tablet provider, with shipments of 7 million units, a 15% decrease below the market average, and securing a 21% market share. Amazon ranks third, shipping 2.9 million units at a considerable distance from Samsung, with a 21% decrease below the market average, and capturing a 9% market share. Lenovo takes fourth place, shipping 1.8 million units, experiencing a substantial 37% year-on-year drop, significantly higher than the market average, and maintaining a 6% market share. Huawei ranks fifth, shipping 1.2 million units, a 14% decline below the market average, and holding a 4% market share.

In this difficult market environment, smaller suppliers such as Xiaomi, Honor, Realme, and OPPO have managed to secure a larger market share. Larger suppliers, hampered by high inventory levels, have curtailed shipments of new devices. Android tablet shipments, in particular, slid by 19%, dropping to 16.7 million units, nearly mirroring the average for the quarter.