iOS vs. Android Table Market Share: 'Tide Turning' in Android's Favor as Market Projected to Spike by 28 Percent

The tablet market is projected to see a 28 percent spike compared to 2012, and the Android platform is getting credit.

According to market firm ABI Research, approximately 150 million tablets are set to be shipped worldwide and could bring up to $64 billion in revenue.

The firm noted Apple has been king of the tablet market since the introduction of the iPad in 2010, and that was evident in 2012 as 60 percent of the market share used the Cupertino-based company's iOS mobile platform. Google's platform, Android, garnered 37 percent of the share.

"The tide is definitely turning toward Android-based tablets, though Apple will not slouch as it feels the competition approaching," said ABI Mobile Devices Senior Practice Director Jeff Orr.

While noting Apple's iPad mini was a "timely introduction" during 2012, the firm admits they are "cautious" about the overall impact the 7.9-inch tablet is providing for Apple.

"The first quarter of 2013 should be the first time when production was able to meet market demand and a better sense of how much 9.7-inch iPad volume has switched to the smaller, lower-cost mini will be understood," Orr continued.

At the moment, the only likely challenger against Apple in the tablet market is Samsung due to its recent successes with their smartphones, Galaxy Note 2, and Android OS series.

"A well-executed Samsung tablet strategy could double the company's market share this year," added Orr.

The iOS and Android battle continues as the first quarter of 2013 has shown both platforms among the four app stores raking in 13.4 billion downloads. As a result, $2.2 billion was earned due to paid app sales, in-app purchases, and subscriptions.

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