The COVID-19 pandemic that is still engulfing the world will have a positive impact on the tablet market in 2021. The IDC report noted that tablet shipments last year reached their highest level since 2016.
IDC reported that worldwide tablet shipments reached 46 million units during the fourth quarter of 2021. This figure decreased 11.9% from Q4 2020, and became the second decline since the pandemic began 2020.
The decline was due to the slowing down of market demand. However, in total, last year's tablet demand was higher than before.
It can be seen from the number of tablet shipments reaching 168.8 million units throughout 2021. This number is up 3.2% from year to year.
"Although 2021 was a great year for the tablet market, shipments are starting to slow as the market has passed peak demand in many regions," said Anuroopa Nataraj, Senior Research Analyst at Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers at IDC.
"However, near-term delivery will remain above pre-pandemic levels as virtual learning, remote work and media consumption remain top priorities for users."
Top 5 World Tablet Market Rulers 2021
Apple is still the king of the world's tablets throughout 2021. The company, which is commanded by Tim Cook, is able to ship 57.8 million tablets worldwide.
This number increased 8.4% from 2020 with a total shipment of 53.3 million units. As a result, Apple controls 34.2% market share of the world tablet market.
Samsung is in second place with 30.9 million units shipped and a market share of 18.3%. Total shipments of Samsung tablet units rose 3.8% from the previous year which amounted to 29.7 million units.
Lenovo is in third position with total shipments of 17.7 million units which makes it 10.5% of the market. When comparing the previous year, Lenovo was able to ship 14.8 million units.
Amazon entrenched in fourth position with total shipments of 16.1 million units of tablets and a market share of 5.7%.
In fifth position is Huawei. This Chinese vendor was able to sell 9.7 million units worldwide.
This figure decreased from 14.3 million units in 2020. This made Huawei's market share eroded from 8.7% to 5.7%.