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iPad Seen as 'Weakest Link' in Stagnating Tablet Market

Remember analysts expected Windows phone to be number 2 by 2015.

Here is article from June 2011 predicting windows phone going to number 2

http://venturebeat.com/2011/06/10/idc-predicts-windows-phone-at-no-2-android-on-top-by-2015/

So don't believe these reports.

Unless they start cheating and include windows "pro" tablets (aka Microsoft pro surface tablets along with other full blown tablet/pcs). I think iOS will maintain a good market share for tablets. And android will continue to lead simply cause there are so many cheap android tablets on marker.
 
Mr Fusion said:
iPad: The "magical" tablet crippled by iOS.

Apple was right in thinking a desktop operating system isn't right for a tablet, but iOS isn't the answer either. It need an OS all of its own, as powerful as OS X but with a touch-friendly interface.
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I agree. I hardly use my iPad other than for reading magazines. I would rather grab my MB Pro since it is much easier to multitask. The iPad really does just feel like a blown up version of the iPhone, more screen real estate, but same functionality.
 
MacDarcy said:
With phablet sized smartphones like the iPhone 6plus canabalizing iPad sales, and the surface pro eating the iPad for lunch, Apple needs to really make the leap to an iPad that can run OS X and iOS. They need to address the need for iPads to be more productive for creative types. The iPhone 6 is a huge success, but people that buy the iPhone 6 plus in particular are choosing not to buy new iPads.
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I'm not sure how you see Microsoft's Surface business, at less than 1/20 the size of the iPad business as 'eating the iPad for lunch...' :rolleyes:
 
iAshley said:
I don't think they ever said its to replace the computer. It compliments it and until I bought the iPhone 6 i used my iPad 3 as well as my Mac regularly. iPad for web browsing and Mac for work. Now though, my iPad is so slow compared to the iPhone 6 I only use it for iBooks so can't justify upgrading.

And that's the way it will stay. I'll upgrade my Mac and Phone as they're the most important to me.
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Well I don't know if they used those exact words, but they definitely talked about the "post pc era"in reference to the ipad.

The ipad is the best tablet imo, and there's no reason to go and buy one every year. Silly to think that because people aren't upgrading every yr means it's the weakest link.

Surveys like this will always be dumb.
 
Daalseth said:
If things are going up, predict they will go up forever. If things are going down, predict they will decline forever.
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Yeah, this is the trouble with not knowing the difference between a fluctuation and a trend. ...or anything about the trend...

But I agree iOS is a toy OS. It's time we actually get an iPad we can do some work on. A Pro model with OS X & a screen size large enough to make it useable. Not a mobile device, a proper capable touch device.
 
Doesn't help that Apple gimped the iPad mini 3.

Doesn't help that Apple still charges $500 for a 16GB tablet.

Doesn't help that Apple keeps iPad 2 and above updated.

Doesn't help that the iPad is built to last.

Doesn't help that the market is way over saturated with iPads.

Doesn't help that the core design and function has remained the same since introduction.

Doesn't help that Apple released a 5.5" iPhone.

Doesn't help that the iPad does not replace a computer.

Doesn't help that the iPad has become boring.

Did I miss anything?
 
Seems to me this new MacBook could eat into iPad sales and I'm sure Apple doesn't care.

I have to laugh at the Windows tablet predictions. Just a few years ago these outfits were predicting Windows Phone would overtake iOS in market share. Clearly they have no clue what they're talking about.
 
Apple is really missing a big opportunity to take the general computing crown. The iPad had so much momentum to begin with. I'm not really sure what they can do to improve it, however. A Pro model with additional capabilities might give a small boost in sales, but it won't do much in the long-run. I love my iPad Air 2, but I find myself wishing it could do just a little bit more. It has all this power, but not enough professional-level apps. IMO, the biggest problem is that it's difficult to work on a project on the iPad. To get files from multiple sources, to work with different pieces at once. I probably just need that tiny new MacBook. But I can't easily draw on that.

Adobe finally patched their Draw app to fix the wiggle problem with their $200 Ink paperweight. Now it's just prone to dropping connection unless I keep a finger or palm on the screen. How fantastic. Anyway, I just want proper stylus support on the iPad for drawing. Hopefully the iPad Pro at least does this, because right now it's annoying and imprecise.
 
Rogifan said:
Seems to me this new MacBook could eat into iPad sales and I'm sure Apple doesn't care.
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Yep no real reason to care, money is money. The only people who care are "analysts"and the android users who're still waiting for apple to go bankrupt. Two groups that are jokes.
 
I stopped using my iPad for two reasons, one iOS is a bit too limiting on an iPad, two apps besides each other would be a start. Reason two... I got the iPhone 6 Plus.
 
Trapezoid said:
Don't state the obvious you'll be disputed.

Say things like apple is doomed for a real effect
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I agree that this is the most likely reason. It doesn't really change the fact that the numbers are declining or may further do so. Nothing to dispute.

I know that I am and have been perfectly content with (save your shocked sighs) my iPad first gen. For media consumption - which is about 70 percent of my use case for it - it's perfect. And the other 30 percent is for my kid who uses it for some learning games.

I'll probably upgrade in a year or so. But it's still a workhorse. Just limited now by apps that are no longer supported on an older OS.
 
I love my iPad Air 2, but I also agree, that Microsoft currently looks the most promising and innovative company in tablet area. Especially because of stylus support and the upcoming Windows 10.

Personally I'll stay with iPad, but I really hope the rumors of ~12" "iPad Pro" are true and it will have seriously updated iOS and Wacom-quality stylus... I dream of the day, when my iPad will not only be a light consumption device, but also a serious companion for my creative work! :)
 
It's all about profit margins.

At the end of the day. Apple executives know profit margin with iPads wasnt "great" to began with. Cost apple $275-350 to make an ipad that they sell $500


http://www.cnet.com/news/apples-ipad-air-2-costs-275-to-358-to-make-teardown-reveals/

Vs iPhone which costs $200-250 to make that they sell for $650 and up.

Apple can live with declining ipad sales as long as iPhone sales are up.
 
iAshley said:
I don't think they ever said its to replace the computer. It compliments it and until I bought the iPhone 6 I used my iPad 3 as well as my Mac regularly. iPad for web browsing and Mac for work. Now though, my iPad is so slow compared to the iPhone 6 I only use the iPad for iBooks so can't justify upgrading.

That's the way it will stay. I'll upgrade my Mac and Phone as they're the most important to me and do what I need until the iPad can do something better.
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They did. Obviously it was an exaggeration and it will be for a long time.
 
I'd like to see Apple back away from it's incremental approach to iPad improvements and knock it out of the park with a few simple tweaks.
I really don't want to run OS X on my iPad, but I DO think IOS is a bit too limited. So improvements in the operating system for the iPad to start.
The ability to have a file system of some sort.
Multitasking.
Better integration with Cloud technology- or - peripherals as needed.
The option for a standalone keyboard that FULLY integrates with the touch screen.
Better sound quality, and simple integration with Apple TV or similar devices.
A stylus that actually works.
I'm sure there's more, but this is what comes to mind.
I don't know that we'll see any of this, but I DO think these things would reverse the current trends related to tablet sales.
 
samcraig said:
I agree that this is the most likely reason. It doesn't really change the fact that the numbers are declining or may further do so. Nothing to dispute.

I know that I am and have been perfectly content with (save your shocked sighs) my iPad first gen. For media consumption - which is about 70 percent of my use case for it - it's perfect. And the other 30 percent is for my kid who uses it for some learning games.

I'll probably upgrade in a year or so. But it's still a workhorse. Just limited now by apps that are no longer supported on an older OS.
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Agreed. It does what it is supposed to do and it does it well (except for safari tab reloads) so there's no reason compelling enough to drop another 500 on a minimally improved later model.
 
AppleInTheMud said:
The hahahaha hits you right back... Yes Apple has a huge profit. Mostly based on their ability to sell cheap hardware, in nice cassings, to a crazy price.
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If that's the secret sauce for profitability why isn't every company doing it?
 
Trapezoid said:
Definitely does for me too. But it's not a full replacement is all I'm saying.
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of course not but i can only speak of those around me. the domino effect seems to be that they use their computer a lot less and most likely wont update as often.

i think its pretty close except for those that need external devices or more complex software.
 
Last edited:
numlock said:
of course not but i can only speak of those around me the domino effect seems to be that use their computer a lot less and most likely wont update as often.

i think its pretty close except for those that need external devices or more complex software.
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Yep, I don't see how it ever could be a full replacement really, but that idea may have been started by apple with the "post pc"stuff. It's a great complimentary device to a full computer and I use mine far more than my laptop.
 
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