Tablet and Chromebooks have 'moved past peak demand', claimes IDC

IDC figures show Chromebook shipments fell more than 60 per cent in Q4 as vendors prioritised Windows machines due to their higher price tags alongside component shortages

Global tablet shipments reached 46 million units during the fourth quarter of 2021, posting a decline for the second time since the pandemic began in 2020.

Shipments dropped 11.9 per cent year on year as demand slowed, according to preliminary data from IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker.

For the full year 2021, total tablet shipments were up 3.2 per cent, reaching 168.8 million units, the market's highest level since 2016.

Meanwhile, Chromebook shipments plummeted 63.6 per cent year on year in Q4, but managed to grow 13.5 per cent for the full year.

"Though 2021 was a great year for the tablet market, shipments have begun to decelerate as the market has moved past peak demand across many geographies," said IDC Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers senior research analyst, Anuroopa Nataraj.

"However, shipments in the near future will remain above pre-pandemic levels as virtual learning, remote work, and media consumption remain priorities for users."

IDC research manager, Jitesh Ubrani, explained that much of the initial demand for Chromebooks has been satiated in primary markets like the US and Europe, leading to a slowdown in overall shipments.

"However, Chromebook demand in emerging markets has seen continued growth in the past year," said Ubrani.

"Supply has also been unusually tight for Chromebooks as component shortages have led vendors to prioritise Windows machines due to their higher price tags, further suppressing Chromebook shipments on a global scale."

Vendor performance

The top three tablet vendors, Apple, Samsung and Lenovo, all saw year on year declines in Q4.

Apple's shipments dipped 8.6 per cent to 17.5 million units, while Samsung and Lenovo shipments fell 21.6 per cent and 25.4 per cent respectively.

On the other hand, the three vendors experienced positive growth for the full year.

Meanwhile, those topping the list of Chromebook vendors also felt the sting of dramatic year on year declines.

IDC's number one ranked vendor, Acer Group, saw Chromebook shipments tumble 43.3 per cent in Q4 2021.

Second and third place, Dell Technologies and Lenovo, saw shipments decrease a staggering 63.6 per cent and 73.5 per cent respectively.