Less than half a decade ago, when iPad was released in 2010, it was expected to be the next big thing and it delivered – at least for some time. The sales were almost supernatural; it became not just a power tablet for tech heads, but it was a hit with housewives, kids and teenagers. With time popularity of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad kept growing, but the fairytale ended eventually.
Unfortunately for Apple, iPad sales have been dwindling down for some time, this year by almost 9 percent. The reasons are many but the most basic ones are the same old, growing competition and changing trends.
Apple is set to put the groove back in its iPad series when it launches its latest version today; it is believed that the new iPad devices will be much faster, more efficient and laced with superior specifications as compared to its predecessor and rivals. That is what at least rumors say.
The latest iPads will be equipped with almost all the latest features that Apple has introduced in iPhone 6. These new iPads will have Touch ID to make it more secure; latest processor A8X for faster processing and large screens. For those who feel that iPad offers no color options at all will not be disappointed because iPads will come in three different colors including the much hyped gold color.
It is expected that iPad Air 2 will have a screen size of 9.7 inches, but with greater resolution. Greater resolution would mean that it will have a 4K retina display. It is quite safe to assume the device will be powered by the latest iOS 8 version.
Even though its sales have gone down iPad is still in a class of its own among its competitors. Therefore it won’t be too wrong to say that it will give some good sales figures at least in the beginning.
Analysts believe that drop in iPad sales is mainly due to evolving trend. The one major factor could be attributed to the growth of phablets. Rivals like Samsung, Google have introduced phablets in the market that are inexpensive yet great in terms specifications. Another feature going against iPad is its price tag, which is too high for a tablet that offers almost nothing revolutionary in terms of features and specifications.
Although Apple had changed the models and versions each year, but the device only offers those features, which get introduced in iPhone first. And now with a bigger screen iPhone, Apple has made its own smartphone a threat to its iPad sales. How? Because why would people want to buy an Apple phablet and Apple iPad when they offer nothing different?
Despite its dwindling sales iPad is still the leader in the tablet market where it holds 26.9% share of the total market. Samsung comes in second place with only 17.2% share and Lenovo is in third with 4.9%.
This latest Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad launch will be more than just another device in the market for Apple; the company will be anxious to see how the iPad does in terms of sales because Apple would like a few more “big” products in its bag in addition to iPhone.
