The International Data Corporation (IDC) has published a fresh forecast for the global market for tablets and laptops running the Chrome OS operating system. They expect further growth in both categories this year.
Sales of Chromebooks and tablets will grow this year but will fall later
Analysts say the demand for tablets and Chromebooks has skyrocketed in 2020 due to the pandemic that has spurred the rapid development of distance learning and telecommuting platforms. In such a situation, users around the world required additional computing equipment.
IDC predicts that worldwide tablet shipments will increase 1.8% this year, reaching 166.5 million units. In 2020, this category recorded a double-digit growth rate.
As for Chromebooks, their shipments, according to analysts, will rise on an annualized basis by 33.5% – to 43.4 million units.
However, experts believe that further growth in demand may stop. The fact is that as the restrictive measures fall back, users will start spending on travel and traditional entertainment. As a result, sales of new computer devices will decline.
Note: Tablets include Slate tablets and Detachable Tablets. Chromebooks include Notebook PCs running Chrome OS.
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Tablets and Chromebooks Expected to See Continued Growth in 2021 While the Long-Term Outlook Presents Challenges, According to IDC
“Sales for tablets and Chromebooks greatly expanded in 2020 due to an unprecedented demand for remote working and learning solutions. This year the need for budget friendly yet versatile devices for hybrid working and learning solutions will be paramount and this will continue to drive demand for these devices,” said Anuroopa Nataraj, research analyst with IDC’s Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. “Beyond 2021 both categories will continue to struggle as consumer and education demand will slow. With the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, consumers will begin to increase spend on travel and other modes of entertainment; which in turn will impact growth in these devices.”
“While 2021 will serve as a peak year for both tablets and Chromebooks there are still plenty of opportunities for each device category,” said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager with IDC Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. “Chromebooks are quickly proving themselves useful within workplaces and while they will not supplant Windows and Mac in these settings, they are expected to provide competition, particularly in job functions where high performance and legacy support isn’t a priority. On the tablet side, detachable tablets will remain a bright spot as these devices are more PC-like than ever; both from a hardware and a software perspective.”