Apple announced that it has sold three million iPads in just three days since the launch of the fourth generation iPad and new iPad mini. This feat is double the previous first weekend milestone of 1.5 million Wi-Fi only models sold for the third generation iPad in March.
While queues may not always the most scientific method of judging response and demand, queues for the iPad mini in countries where it is now available, have been reported to be average. None of the fanatical, overnight multiple-block spanning sales queues usually linked to Apple products. Apple did not disclose how many units of iPad minis it has sold thus far.
Apple says that the Wi-Fi + Cellular versions of both the 7.95-inch iPad mini and fourth generation iPad will ship in a few weeks in the US and in many more countries later this year.
Apple’s iPad has been a dominant force in the tablet space since its debut. However, according to a recent IDC report, the third quarter of 2012 saw Apple’s lead reduced to 50.4% from 65.5% in Q2 2012, although it still grew 26%. Apple shipped a total of 27.8 million units worldwide. The top three tablet manufacturers includes Samsung at 18.4% and Amazon at 9.0%. Largely due to the success of its GALAXY Tab 2 and GALAXY Note 10.1 tablets, Samsung’s tablet shipments grew 325% from Q3 2011.
Overall, the tablet market grew 49.5% year-over-year, but only 6.7 percent compared to the second quarter.
Analysts believe the decline in the sales of the iPad may be due to consumers holding out in anticipation of the new iPad mini. The next quarter will hold answers, as the iPad mini hits more countries worldwide.
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