Q3 Tablets Fell 10%; Demand Still ‘Far Stronger’ Than Pre-COVID: SA

Supply constraints and tough comparisons with the 2020 quarter combined to force a 10% decline in Q3 global tablet shipments, reported Strategy Analytics Friday. “Market demand is still far stronger than it was pre-pandemic,” said SA. “As the COVID pandemic remains a key concern around the world, this tension between high demand and low component supply will test vendors and their channel partners as we enter the winter holiday season.” Apple shipments to retail grew 15% year on year to 17.3 million units, sending its global share 8 points higher to 38%, said SA. "With a portfolio stocked with highly capable productivity tablets, Apple’s strong growth came at the expense of other vendors competing for tight supplies," said analyst Eric Smith.