Scottsdale, Ariz. — The Apple iPad promises to energize the emerging tablet PC segment, creating a potential semiconductor opportunity of more than $4.1 billion in 2014, reports In-Stat. Other winners include battery and display makers, according to the market research firm.
“Tablets have quickly become a high priority for competitors across the value chain, including mobile operators,” says Jim McGregor, In-Stat analyst, in a statement. “Even more important, is that the opportunity in tablets is complementary to other mobile devices, particularly smartphones and netbooks.”
In-Stat’s report, “The Rise of the Internet Tablet: The Keys to Success” (#IN1004604WH), shows that the potential unit total available market (TAM) for tablets, positioned between smartphones and PCs, is about 50 million in 2014. The researcher says initial pricing of mainstream tables will be in the $400 to $500 range based on bill-of-material (BOM) estimates.
So far, only Apple and ICD have indicated carrier strategies, and only Apple offers an entire solution that includes content and applications, says In-Stat.