Has the tablet revolution run out of steam?
Three years ago, Apple unveiled the first iPad, which had a bigger impact than anyone could have imagined. PC and laptop sales have been dropping, and for the first couple of years, sales of iPads regularly eclipsed the most optimistic estimates.
But as Apple prepares to announce new versions of its iPads today, analysts are increasingly pessimistic about the outlook for growth in tablets.
The drama coming out of Apple’s event on Tuesday is whether the new version of the big iPad and the iPad Mini can supercharge growth again.
“It sounds jaded, but tablets are a maturing market: We expect few surprises in this category that Apple kick-started only three years ago,” said Forrester Research analyst Sarah Rotman Epps. “It will be difficult for Apple to move the needle on new tablet sales, as the strongest growth is coming from emerging markets where customers are more price-sensitive.”
Apple will release sales of iPads for its fourth quarter, which ended Sept. 30, Monday when it reports earnings.
Source: LA Times
