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IDC Forecasts Worldwide Tablet Shipments to Surpass Portable PC Shipments in 2013, Total PC Shipments in 2015
SAN MATEO, Calif., May 28, 2013
 
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 According to a new forecast from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker , tablet shipments are expected to grow 58.7% year-over-year in 2013 reaching 229.3 million units, up from 144.5 million units last year. IDC now predicts tablet shipments will exceed those of portable PCs this year, as the slumping PC market is expected to see negative growth for the second consecutive year. In addition, IDC expects tablet shipments to outpace the entire PC market (portables and desktops combined) by 2015. (A press release summarizing IDC's latest PC market forecast can be found here.) "What started as a sign of tough economic times has quickly shifted to a change in the global computing paradigm with mobile being the primary benefactor," said Ryan Reith, Program Manager for IDC's Mobility Trackers. "Tablets surpassing portables in 2013, and total PCs in 2015, marks a significant change in consumer attitudes about compute devices and the applications and ecosystems that power them. IDC continues to believe that PCs will have an important role in this new era of computing, especially among business users. But for many consumers, a tablet is a simple and elegant solution for core use cases that were previously addressed by the PC." While Apple has been at the forefront of the tablet revolution, the current market expansion has been increasingly fueled by low-cost Android devices. In 2013, the worldwide average selling price (ASP) for tablets is expected to decline -10.8% to $381. In comparison, the ASP of a PC in 2013 is nearly double that at $635. IDC expects tablet prices to decline further, which will allow vendors to deliver a viable computing experience into the hands of many more people at price points the PC industry has strived to meet for years. "Apple's success in the education market has proven that tablets can be used as more than just a content consumption or gaming device," said Jitesh Ubrani, Research Analyst for the Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker . "These devices are learning companions, and as tablet prices continue to drop, the dream of having a PC for every child gets replaced with the reality that we can actually provide a tablet for every child." In addition to lower prices, another major shift in the tablet market has occurred around screen sizes.  Apple's first generation iPad, which included a 9.7-inch display, was perceived by many as the sweet spot for tablets. That is, until 7-inch Android-based tablets began to gain traction in the market. Apple responded with the iPad mini in the fourth quarter of 2012, and in the space of two quarters the sub-8-inch category exploded to overtake the larger-sized segment in terms of total shipments. IDC expects the trend toward smaller sizes to continue.
Worldwide Tablet Market Share by Screen Size Band, 2011 - 2017
 
Screen Size 2011 2013 2017 < 8"
27% 55% 57%
8"
 –
 11"
73% 43% 37%
11"+
0% 2% 6%
Total
100% 100% 100%
Source: IDC Worldwide Tablet Tracker, May 28, 2013.
 
* Forecast Data
Table Notes:
 
 All data are preliminary and subject to change. Vendor shipments are branded shipments and exclude OEM sales for all vendors.
 
 Some IDC estimates prior to financial earnings reports.
 Shipments include shipments to distribution channels or end users. OEM sales are counted under the vendor/brand under which they are sold.
 IDC considers all LCD-based slate devices with screens between 7 and 16 inches as tablets, regardless of whether or not they include a removable keyboard (such as the Surface RT). Convertible devices with non-removable keyboards (such as Lenovo's Yoga) are not counted as Tablets. In addition to the table above, an interactive graphic showing historic and forecast shipments of tablets, portable PCs and total PCs is available here. The chart is intended for sharing in online news articles and social media. Instructions on how to embed this graphic can be found by viewing this press release on IDC.com. 
About IDC Trackers
IDC Tracker  products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly excel deliverables and on-line query tools. The IDC Tracker Charts app allows users to view data charts from the most recent IDC Tracker  products on their  iPhone  and iPad. 
About IDC
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. For more than 49 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.  - # # # -  All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Contacts:
Tom Mainelli tmainelli@idc.com 650-350-6455 Twitter: @TomMainelli Ryan Reith rreith@idc.com
 
650-350-6242 Twitter: @ryanreith Michael Shirer 508-935-4200 press@idc.com

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