While the Windows platform is struggling in the mobile space, Microsoft is getting some success in the tablet sector. The latest figures for IDC show that Microsoft’s operating platform is growing amongst tablet users. Indeed, Windows could take an 11.3% share of the tablet market by the close of the year.
The IDC says Windows moved to 9% market share in the second quarter of 2016. With an expected solid Holiday Season, Microsoft’s platform should easily pass 10% by the end of the year. The growth of Windows on tablets has remained consistent. The market researcher said that Microsoft held just 5.1% of the market in 2014.
That means the company has doubled Windows’ market share in two years. However, there will still be some way to go to catch Android. Google’s OS is expected to account for 66.2% of the market by the end of the year. Apple’s iOS, which houses the best-selling tablet, the iPad, will have 22.4%.
WW Tablet Share Forecast by OS
> 2016:
1. Android 66.2%
2. iOS 22.4%
3. Windows 11.3%> 2020
1. Android 57.8%
2. iOS 22.9%
3. Windows 19.3%— Francisco Jeronimo (@fjeronimo) August 30, 2016
In its criteria, tablets also include products like Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4. Microsoft deserves credit for sticking with the Surface line. It has been a rocky road with massive write-offs. However, the Surface brand is increasing sales and hybrid tablet sales are on the rise.
Windows Bucking Tablet Market Trend
That is in contrast to the general tablet market, which is on the decline. It actually appears to be a terminal decline as consumers do not update tablets are regularly as smartphones. The IDC says Microsoft’s OS will continue to grow and take 19.3% of the market by 2020.
Android and iOS are leading by a big margin, but both platforms have had tumbling sales. Samsung and Apple, the two biggest hardware manufacturers, are losing sales each quarter.
The IDC’s Jitesh Ubrani recognized this earlier in the month:
“The market has spoken as consumers and enterprises seek more productive form factors and operating systems. It’s the reason we’re seeing continued growth in detachables. At present, it’s difficult for Android to compete with iOS or Windows detachable products. However, the next 12 to 18 months will be very interesting as Google launches the next version of Android with better multi-tasking support and as they begin to bring together their two operating systems.”
It is a tough sell to say Microsoft forecast this and was playing the long game. There were moments when the company thought the Surface idea was a mistake. However, as consumers search for more productivity-minded products, Windows is the best platform to take advantage.