Despite ongoing economic concerns in most regions of the world, consumers continue to buy tablets in record numbers has led International Data Corporation (IDC) to increase its forecast for the worldwide media tablet market to 117.1 million units, up from its previous forecast of 107.4 million units for the year. The research company has also revised its upward 2013 forecast number from 142.8 million units to 165.9 million units while expecting by 2016 worldwide shipments should reach 261.4 million units.
For Windows tablets, which includes Windows 7 tablets shipping, and Windows RT and Windows 8 tablets shipping in the fourth quarter of 2012 are expected to grow from about 1% of the market in 2011 to 4% in 2012, on their way to 11% of the market by 2016. While, during the same period iOS will grow from 57.2% in 2011 to 60% in 2012, eventually slipping back to 58% by 2016; Android will slip from 38.9% to 35.3%, declining to 30.5% by 2016.
