ABI Research Predicts More Than 156 Million Branded Tablets to Ship in 2020

ABI Research, the leader in technology market intelligence, predicts 156 million tablets will ship in 2020, marking a 3% CAGR for the device category between 2015 and 2020. This is despite the fact that tablet forecasts were revised downward in response to continued pressure on shipments and revenues by Apple, Samsung and other leading vendors. According to the latest research, branded tablet revenues reached approximately US$55 billion in 2015, down from $68 billion in 2014. While revenues are expected to remain flat in 2016, ABI Research projects last year’s retail ASPs to drop below $400 for the first time.

“We expect the global installed base to decline primarily due to older devices in most developed market economies aging out faster after purchase than replacement devices being acquired and new products being shipped into emerging market economies,” says Jeff Orr, Research Director at ABI Research. “Major advanced market economies will represent about 65% of branded tablet shipments in 2015, down from more than 68% in the previous year.”

In previous reports, ABI Research accurately predicted that the global installed tablet base would decline for the first time in 2016.

“57% of branded tablet shipments in 2015 had displays measuring between 7 inches and 8.9 inches, with more than 23% of those shipments measuring in at 10 inches or above,” concludes Orr. “However, the introduction of 12-inch plus tablets in 2015 is not expected to shift the buying trend back to larger tablet displays. The prices of 7-inch and 8-inch tablets remain compelling as the market sweet spot for the foreseeable future.”

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Media Tablets, Ultrabooks & eReaders Service, which includes research reports, market data, insights and competitive assessments.

About ABI Research

For more than 25 years, ABI Research has stood at the forefront of technology market intelligence, partnering with innovative business leaders to implement informed, transformative technology decisions. The company employs a global team of senior analysts to provide comprehensive research and consulting services through deep quantitative forecasts, qualitative analyses and teardown services. An industry pioneer, ABI Research is proactive in its approach, frequently uncovering ground-breaking business cycles ahead of the curve and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. In all, the company covers more than 60 services, spanning 11 technology sectors. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.