Tablet Market In India Picks Up Demand Again, Apple Still The Leader

Apple’s premium iPad 2024 launch this year has helped the tech giant retain its market position in India. And driven by the rapid adoption of 5G, the Indian tablet market experienced a robust 23 percent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth in the April-June period, a report said this week.

Apple retained its leading position with a market share of 33 percent in Q2 2024, reflecting a 47 percent increase in unit sales compared to Q2 2023, according to data by CyberMedia Research (CMR).

Additionally, the overall tablet market demonstrated a strong 15 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth in Q2 2024.

Menka Kumari, analyst, industry intelligence group (IIG), CMR, with the launch of the Apple iPad Air 2024 series and the Apple iPad Pro 2024 series, Apple saw a significant growth momentum during the quarter.

“Beyond the premium tablets, the market for value for money tablets continues to shape-up with Xiaomi enjoying a stupendous growth from a small base,” she observed.

Despite the 5G surge, Wi-Fi tablets maintained a dominant 66 percent market share, showcasing their continued relevance. A significant premiumisation trend was seen, with a 194 percent YoY increase in tablets priced between Rs 20,000-Rs 30,000, the report mentioned.

In the quarter, Samsung secured 28 percent market share at the second position with a 27 percent year-over-year growth. Lenovo, on the other hand, saw a decline in its market share, dropping to 16 percent with a 20 percent decrease in unit sales.

“Xiaomi made significant strides, achieving an 83 percent year-over-year growth and capturing a 10 percent market share,” said the report.

The report forecasts a steady 5-10 percent growth for the tablet market in 2024.

According to Kumari, the tablet market in the country is poised for market growth, offering significant opportunities for both established players and new entrants.

The convergence of tablets with smart home ecosystems and enhanced connectivity will redefine user interactions, making tablets an integral part of the digital lifestyle in India, the report mentioned.