The consumer Tablet market hit a global high of 15.5m units shipped in Q3 2011, a more than three-fold increase on the Q3, 2010 figure of 4.5m, according to the latest Tablet Tracking report from Futuresource Consulting.
The report highlights significant industry growth across the three key territories covered – US, Europe and Japan – demonstrating that a product with little consumer demand prior to development and launch can experience a massive upsurge in approval.
The US leads the way in tablet adoption, accounting for 46 per cent of global ownership, and exceeding an installed base of 24m devices at the end of Q3. Europe has seen a slower uptake at just 4.2m shipments in Q3, compared to 7.1m. The Europe figure, however, still represents over 300 per cent year-on-year growth.
Apple continues to dominate the global market. It accounts for over 70 per cent of unit shipments in the US, though Samsung, HP and Acer are beginning to gain some traction. Europe is more fragmented, with Apple still on top, but other brands also shining through, though Futuresource notes that the competitive landscape varies country by country. 
Looking to the immediate future, major sporting events taking place in 2012, including the London Olympics and the European Football Championships, are expected to fuel a rise in the uptake of Tablets, as consumers demand connection while away from home to view TV content or keep on track of results. The associated size and features of the Tablet, says Futuresource, mean that consumers can enjoy a higher quality viewing experience, in comparison to that on a smartphone.
The analyst adds that long-term prospects for the Tablet industry are also positive, with strong growth throughout the forecast period out to 2015, driven by a widening array of mobile content for Tablets, including apps; declining prices making the product widely available to an increased user-base; and product replacement, as consumers look to update and modernise. Multiple ownership per household will also drive market growth, as advances are made in the range of uses and applications available.
The Tablet Tracking Service from Futuresource Consulting delivers forecasting, strategic assessments and insight into market trends and the expected life-cycle of tablets, with reports delivered every quarter. There is also the option to track additional markets across 26 countries worldwide besides those featured. The report highlights market movements and trends, and provides forecasts for Q4 2011, through to 2015.
