IDC Research presents some interesting facts about the gadget market and suggests Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) might consider at least one option in that market. According to IDC, devices with screen size 5 inches and up to 7 inches, popularly known as phablets, outperformed the shipment of portable PCs and tablets in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan), in the second quarter of 2013.
Phablets outperforming tablets, PCs
In the second quarter, total phablets shipped were 25.2 million compared to 12.6 million tablets and 12.7 million portable PCs, as per IDC. The numbers of phablet are almost double the total units of the other two categories combined.
Samsung rules the phablet segment
Additionally, phablet shipments in the Asia Pacific region surged 100 percent quarter over quarter, and a whopping 620 percent year on year, according to research firm IDC. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) without any doubt leads the category by clinching 50 percent of the phablet market in the Asia Pacific. The South Korean electronics giant recently announced a Galaxy Mega 6.3 and is expected to announce the Galaxy Note 3 at IFA in Berlin soon.
Possibilities for Apple
The big question that arises here is whether Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) needs to be in this segment and will it be viable for a company to do so. Phablets seem to be a hybrid between tablet and smartphone and is capable of taking over the market.
“Phablets have proven to be more than just a short blip of a fad and will drive the region,” IDC said.
Apple already offers a 4-inch iPhone and 7.9-inch iPad Mini, so considering the rapidly changing tech scenario, there is a very good possibility that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may fill the gap between 4-inch and 7.9-inch with numerous products. Who knows, we may see something similar sooner as it is widely expected that Apple will come up with at least a couple of updates to the Mini this year, and possibly a larger screen iPhone 6 next year.
Last year, CNET gave feedback about 5.5 inch Galaxy Note 2 saying that the device could allure students, artists, business professionals and those who have not purchased a tablet but would prefer a larger screen.
With bitter rival Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) ruling the Phablet segment and IDC research suggesting potential revenues ahead, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will certainly want to make its mark in the category.
