Apple's new iPad WON'T be late: Tablets kicked to suppliers' factories Apple has reportedly sent the designs for two new iPad models to its manufacturing partners to begin production on the "one large, one small" pair. A report from Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, says that Apple has kicked off manufacturing operations. According to Bloomberg, the factories will be building both a 7.9-inch …
One might argue that Apple doesn't want unrivaled market share (though it has been fortunate to enjoy it during the birth of the tablet market). Rather they are happy to occupy a premium slot with a significant minority of that market.
It's worked (with major ups-and-downs) for their PC business these last 30+ years.
It will be interesting to see how the 5.5" iPhone affects iPad Mini sales. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mini sales drop as a result of a phablet sized iPhone being available, while full size iPad sales rise next year once that IBM deal gets going.
But overall market share in tablets will continue to fall, as the main competition becomes less Samsung and more the ultra cheap Chinese players who are making plans to sell more into the US and Europe. Easier to buy multiple tablets for everyone and not worry about being too careful with them when you can get them for well under $100. Even if Apple wanted to try to grow its market share, they couldn't compete with those unless they sell at a loss.
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