India’s tablet market witnessed a 25% year-on-year growth in 2024, fueled by the increasing demand for 5G-enabled and premium tablets, according to a report by CyberMedia Research (CMR).
Apple emerged as the market leader, securing a 29% share, with its tablet shipments growing by 44% year-on-year. Apple’s iPad shipments in India surpassed 1 million units in 2024 for the first time. During an analyst call, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, revealed that iPad revenue grew 15% year-on-year, reaching $8.1 billion in Q1 2025, fuelled by strong interest in the company’s latest devices.
Apple’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kevan Parekh, said
“The iPad install base has hit an all-time high, with over half of new buyers being first-time users. Customer satisfaction in the U.S. stood at 96%.”
Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi in the race
According to CMR data, Samsung secured second place with a 28% market share, recording a 58% annual growth in shipments. Lenovo ranked third, though its shipments declined by 6%, reducing its market share to 16% in 2024 from 21% in 2023.
Xiaomi showed the highest growth, with a 112% rise in shipments, increasing its market share from 8% in 2023 to 13% in 2024. Meanwhile, Realme ranked fifth, holding a 6% share despite a 21% decline in shipments.
Growing preference for premium tablets
The report highlights a shift towards premium tablets (priced above ₹20,000) as consumers increasingly seek high-performance devices with advanced displays, powerful chipsets, and 5G connectivity.
Menka Kumari, Senior Analyst at CMR, said:
“India’s tablet market is undergoing a major transformation, driven by hybrid work, digital learning, and on-the-go entertainment. Premium tablets are now a key growth driver,”
She further noted that brands are focusing on innovation, ecosystem integration, and unique value propositions, which will shape the future of India’s tablet market.
Market outlook for 2025
In Q4 2024, according to CMR, Samsung led the market with a 29% share, followed by Lenovo (23%), and Apple (21%).
The firm forecasts 10-15% growth in 2025, driven by the expansion of the 5G ecosystem, AI-powered productivity features, and government-led digital initiatives.
Menka Kumari stated:
“The market is evolving, with a shift away from 4G tablets. However, Wi-Fi-only models continue to be in demand, particularly in education and enterprise sectors.”
With increasing innovation and consumer demand for high-performance tablets, India’s tablet market is set for continued expansion in the coming years.
