Apple's (NASDAQ:
AAPL
) third-generation iPad had an embarrassing start in China when
the device drew a crowd of
just 30 people
when it was released in July. It seems that was a temporary
stumble for the Cupertino, California-based tech giant, which now
dominates the tablet market in China. According to
Reuters
, the Mac maker commanded 71.4 percent of Chinese tablet sales
during the third quarter. Lenovo, the number two player, earned
just 10.5 percent of the market. Ereneben came in third place
with 3.6 percent, while Samsung landed in fourth place with 3.5
percent.
During the quarter, tablet makers sold a total of 2.6 million
devices. Since Apple produced 71.4 percent of those tablets, it
is safe to assume that the company sold more than 1.8 million
iPads in the nation.
For a country with more than one billion people, that may not
sound like very many tablets -- especially when they are spread
over a three-month period. But iPads are an expensive commodity;
most Chinese citizens would have to save a month or two's worth
of rent just to afford one.
Regardless, the Chinese tablet market is growing fast. Sales
rose 62.5 percent during the third quarter, indicating that
consumers are eager for new touch screen devices.
This growth may have inspired the iPad Mini. While Apple
co-founder Steve Jobs was
vehemently against
the concept, the company pushed ahead with its development.
Apple
reportedly tested
the smaller tablet in China earlier this year. That report was
never confirmed, but it seems that the company was inspired to
proceed regardless.
Many American consumers have balked at the iPad Mini's $329
starting price, which is just $70 cheaper than the iPad 2 and $30
more expensive than the new iPod Touch. Other consumers
appreciated the lower price, which proved to be a key selling
point when the
device was released
in the United States.
In China, the lower price could be even more appealing. If the
tablet market continues to grow there (and in other emerging
markets), Apple will have to do everything it can to acquire new
customers. This includes the sale of smaller and cheaper
tablets.
Unlike the smartphone market, however, it seems that Apple
will be able to continue dominating the tablet space for the
foreseeable future. While Samsung is a worldwide leader in
smartphones and feature phones, the company only sold 91,000
tablets in China during the third quarter.
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