The e-commerce landscape is shifting, and tablets are taking center stage. New data from Stocklytics.com reveals a surprising trend: tablet conversion rates have surged to a remarkable 2.7%, exceeding those of both desktops and smartphones. This unexpected finding suggests that tablets are finding a sweet spot with consumers, potentially becoming a key player in online shopping.

The site’s financial analyst, Edith Reads, comments:

Tablets might be filling a gap between desktops and phones. Tablets offer a larger screen than phones for a more immersive browsing experience, yet remain portable and convenient compared to desktops. Additionally, advancements in tablet technology might all be leading to a smoother user experience that facilitates higher conversion.

Stocklytics financial analyst, Edith Reads

Overview of the Tablet Market

Mobile devices and desktops hold the most significant market share over tablets, with the two leading at 62.5% and 35.02%, respectively, while the latter settles at a mere 2.5%. However, desktop and mobile devices fell behind tablets in conversion rates in the first quarter of the year,  trailing at 2.2% and 2%, respectively. 

Initially, desktop conversions were the highest, peaking over 3% in February 2023, but they experienced a significant decline, stabilizing below 2.5% by October before a sharp spike at the end of November 2023, followed by another decline.

Similarly, tablet conversions were at 2.6% in February 2023. They later surpassed desktop conversions at the end of April 2023, peaking at 3.1% in November 2023 and then stabilizing at around 2.6%.

Conversely, mobile phone conversions remained consistently low, around 2.1%, between February and March and the beginning of May, with no significant changes. However, it had a noticeable spike at the end of November 2023.

Overall, these trends suggest a shift in user behavior, with an increasing preference for tablets and persistent challenges in optimizing for Mobile users.

What to Expect in the Future of Tablet Market

In 2024, the technology landscape is being shaped by innovations such as foldable designs, eye-wear-free 3D content viewing, and advanced OLED technologies. Apple already rolled out its new iPad Pro series this May, with the latest M4 chip, OLED display technology, and possibly the thinnest Apple design yet. 

The iPad Pro series marks Apple’s first launch since 2022; hence, the product is expected to elevate ratings and overall sales, given that the company reported a 16% year-on-year decline in its second quarter.

Meanwhile, Samsung expects to launch its new tablet, the Galaxy Tab S10, by this summer. It boasts the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and better storage capacity, up to 6 GB RAM and 128 GB base storage.

The new product lineups will augment sales for both companies particularly now as new customers express revamped interest in tablets.