Core Viewpoint - The global tablet market experienced a 9.2% year-on-year growth in 2024, marking a rebound after three years of decline, although Apple's growth of 5.3% lagged behind the overall market, with Huawei and Xiaomi capturing most of the incremental market share [4][1]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The tablet market, historically dominated by Apple, saw a resurgence in competition after Huawei and Xiaomi made significant investments post-2019, challenging the previously stable landscape [8][9]. - The introduction of the iPad mini in 2012 was a pivotal moment, as it offered a more affordable option compared to the standard iPad, leading to substantial sales and altering market dynamics [10][13]. - The pricing strategy of the iPad mini, set at $399, became a reference point for competitors, making it difficult for Android brands to maintain profitability while competing in the same segment [14][18]. Group 2: Product Evolution - Apple's product line for iPads was restructured into three categories: iPad mini for portability, iPad Air for light productivity, and iPad Pro for professional use, which helped to clarify market positioning [25][26]. - The iPad mini's popularity led to a significant increase in its sales share, which rose from 32% to 47% in Q4 2015, negatively impacting the sales of the higher-priced iPad Air [29][31]. - The discontinuation of the iPad mini for three years was a strategic move to protect the profitability of the higher-end iPad models, allowing competitors to re-enter the market with new offerings [34][36]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The absence of the iPad mini allowed Android manufacturers to explore higher price points and improve their product offerings, leading to a resurgence in the Android tablet market from 2015 to 2018 [37][38]. - The introduction of high-end models by Huawei and Xiaomi, such as the MediaPad M5 and Xiaomi Pad 4 Plus, indicated a shift in strategy towards premium products, reflecting the changing dynamics of consumer preferences [36][48]. - The overall increase in tablet pricing has liberated the Android segment, allowing for better profit margins and more competitive product designs [46][47]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The iPad mini's latest pricing at $499 has become less relevant in a more complex market, suggesting a potential struggle for its continued existence amidst evolving consumer needs and competitive pressures [50][51]. - The rise of larger smartphones and foldable devices has further complicated the positioning of smaller tablets like the iPad mini, leading to questions about its future viability [43][44].

Core Viewpoint - The global tablet market is experiencing a resurgence with a 9.2% year-on-year growth in 2024, despite previous declines. Apple, the long-time market leader, has only managed a 5.3% growth, while competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi have captured significant market share [3][36]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The tablet market, once dominated by Apple, has seen increased competition from Android manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi since 2019, leading to a shift in market dynamics [6][12]. - The introduction of the iPad mini in 2012 marked a turning point, offering a more affordable option that significantly impacted competitors' sales strategies [9][11]. - The pricing strategy of the iPad mini set a psychological price anchor in the market, making it difficult for Android competitors to maintain profitability while competing directly [15][36]. Group 2: Product Evolution - Apple's product line has evolved to include the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, each targeting different consumer needs and price points, which has led to a more segmented market [20][22]. - The discontinuation of the iPad mini for three years allowed Apple to protect its higher-margin products, while simultaneously enabling Android manufacturers to explore higher price segments [27][39]. - The resurgence of the iPad mini in 2019 did not align well with the increasingly complex tablet market, leading to challenges in positioning [39][40]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The Android tablet market has seen a revival with brands like Huawei and Xiaomi launching competitive products that align more closely with flagship smartphones, thus increasing their market presence [38][39]. - The shift in consumer preferences towards larger screens and more powerful devices has pressured smaller tablets like the iPad mini, which now struggles to find its place in the market [33][39]. - The overall increase in tablet pricing has liberated Android manufacturers to innovate and improve their offerings, leading to a more competitive landscape [36][38].