Read our article to discover how many iPads have been sold, which countries buy the most iPads, and some facts and figures relating to the celebrated Apple tablet.
This article will tell you how many iPads have been sold across all generations of the device since the first iPad release.
You can discover which iPad generation has sold the most devices, and which countries bought the most.
It will also give you some general information about the iPad, such as when Apple released it, how many generations of iPads there are, and how well the iPad sells when compared to other tablets.
Apple has been selling its tablet for several years now, but how many iPads have been sold? This article will aim to answer that question, offering insight into global sales, as well as breaking sales down by country. It will also look at the history of the iPad.
SellCell Key Findings:
Between 2012 and 2022, Apple has sold 589 million iPads across the entire globe.
In 2022 alone, Apple shipped 60.4 million iPads.
The iPad Pro 12.9″ was the most popular model in 2022, outselling the iPad 10.2″ (but only by a 1% market share).
The iPad enjoys the largest percentage of the market share in the UK, dominating 51% of the tablet market in that country.
SellCell has calculated the number of iPads sold per country by converting the percentage market share of iPads per year to a numerical figure, based on the number of tablets sold per year.
What Is an iPad and Who Is it For?
An iPad is a powerful device created by Apple that combines the functionality of a computer with the convenience of a portable tablet. It boasts a vibrant and high-resolution touch screen display, allowing users to interact with a wide range of applications and content. With its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, the iPad has become a popular choice for people of all ages and interests.
The iPad also has a lightweight and portable design. So, it allows you to stay connected and productive on the go. It offers an array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and cellular capabilities, enabling you to access the internet and stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues wherever you are. In addition, the iPad supports a vast selection of apps through Apple’s own App Store, allowing you to customize your device and tailor it to your needs. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply seeking entertainment, the iPad is a versatile device that can you can use for a variety of purposes.
TABLET OWNERSHIP BY BRAND IN THE UNITED STATES (2022)
Share of respondents
Apple (iPad)
43%
Samsung
26%
Amazon / Amazon Fire
24%
Microsoft
7%
Dell
6%
Acer
5%
Lenovo
5%
Asus
4%
Verizon
4%
Huawei
3%
Other
5%
Don’t Know
3%
*6,304 respondents aged 18-64
In 2022, Apple’s iPad held a market share of 43% across all tablets sold in the USA; by far the largest market share of any tablet.
In that same year, brands shipped a total of 28.15 million tablets in the USA 3. Therefore, Apple sold approximately 12.10 million iPads (43% of 28.15 million) in the USA in 2022.
2022 saw Apple’s slate capture a market share of 50% in Canada. Samsung tablets trailed well behind Apple, with a 30% market share.
Also in 2022, brands shipped a total of 1.54 million tablets in Canada 5. This means that Apple will have sold approximately 0.77 million iPads (50% of 1.54 million) in Canada that year.
How Many iPads Have Been Sold in the United Kingdom?
TABLET OWNERSHIP BY BRAND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM (2022)
Share of respondents
Apple (iPad)
51%
Samsung
24%
Amazon / Amazon Fire
20%
Lenovo
7%
Acer
5%
Huawei
5%
Asus
3%
Microsoft
3%
Archos
2%
Sony
2%
Other
3%
Don’t Know
1%
*2,849 respondents aged 18-64
In the UK, in 2022, Apple’s iPad held a share that totaled 51% of the whole tablet market.
Brands shipped a total of 3.45 million tablets in the UK during 2022 7. So, with a 51% market share, Apple sold around 1.76 million iPads (51% of 3.45 million) in 2022.
Apple also predominantly held the German tablet market in 2022; it had a 36% market share, although Samsung wasn’t far behind with 33%.
This means that Apple sold 1.45 million iPads in Germany in 2022, as brands shipped a total of 4.04 million tablets that year (36% of 4.04 million) in Germany in 2022 9
2022 in France sees Apple level-pegging with Samsung. Both brands hold a 35% share of the tablet market in that year.
Brands shipped a total of 2.95 million tablets to France in 2022 11, so Apple will have sold around 1.03 million iPads in 2022 in France (35% of 2.95 million).
As we head to Italy, Samsung reigns supreme, taking a 34% share of the tablet market in that country in 2022. Apple follows second with 32% of the market share.
Total sales of tablets reached 2.41 million in Italy in 2022 13, so this means Apple sold 0.77 million tablets in 2022 in Italy (32% of 2.41 million).
Much like Italy, Samsung is tablet king in Spain. It holds a 33% share of the 2022 Spanish tablet market, with Apple grabbing onto 27%.
This means in 2022, Apple sold 0.58 million iPads in Spain; 27% of the 2.13 million tablets sold in Spain in 2022 15.
How Many iPad Generations Are There?
There are not only several generations of iPad. There are also several models, with multiple different years of initial launch. The table below illustrates each model, how many generations of that model exist, and the year of launch 16.
According to research data shown above, the most popular iPad model in 2022 was the iPad Pro 12.9″. It is therefore safe to say that this iPad model probably sold the most units in 2022, as well. This will come as little surprise, as Apple only launched the device in 2022.
This contrasts with the iPad Mini, which saw its 6th Generation release in 2021, and which was the fifth most-popular iPad by the time 2022 came around.
How Many iPads Has Apple Sold vs. Other Tablets?
It is no surprise that Apple dominates the global sales figures for tablets. It did invent the tablet, after all, when it launched the first iPad back in 2010. Since then, multiple tablets are available. How do these stack up against Apple’s iPad sales, though?
SHIPMENTS OF TABLETS GLOBALLY BY MANUFACTURER (2020-2022)
Apple
Samsung
Lenovo
Amazon
Huawei
2020
53.3
29.7
14.9
14
14.7
2021
57.8
30.8
17.4
16.1
9.6
2022
61.7
30.2
11.5
16
9
*Shipments in millions
In 2020, Apple sold 53.3 million iPads across all models. Samsung sold 29.7 million, Lenovo sold 14.9 million, Amazon 14.0 million, and Huawei 14.7 million.
2021 saw Apple’s iPad selling 57.8 million units; a difference of 4.5 million. Samsung sold more tablets as well, with 30.8 million. Lenovo sold 17.4 million, Amazon 16.1 million, and Huawei 9.6 million.
By 2022, Apple was selling double what Samsung managed to ship, with each brand moving 61.7 and 30.2 million units respectively. Lenovo sold 11.5 million, Amazon 16.0 million, and Huawei 9.0 million.
This sales success translates to market share. Discounting the “other” category, which will comprise dozens of inferior quality Android tablet brands, the above graph shows Apple’s iPad consistently dominating in terms of global tablet market share.
Which Tablet Is Sold the Most?
The global shipments data shown above will tell you that Apple sells the most. It has consistently sold more than any other tablet. In 2022, the iPad outsold its closest rival—Samsung—by double the number of units. Which tablet has sold the most? The iPad, year after year.
Are Tablets Getting Less Popular?
This is a tough question to answer. The tablet market is volatile, with the devices falling in and out of favor with the public. The following graph, showing shipments of tablets globally since 2010, illustrates this volatility.
Looking at the graph, we can see how the number of tablet shipments peaks and troughs significantly.
Q4, 2013, saw the most tablet shipments since 2010, when Apple launched the first iPad, with 78.6 million.
In Q1, 2023, we can’t deny shipments are nothing like those of 2010. The first quarter of 2023 saw 30.7 million shipments.
Q4 (which is incidentally around the time Apple releases its new iPad) generally exhibits a spike in shipments, and is usually the best quarter for tablet sales. Likely as people buy iPads as Christmas gifts.
So, are tablets losing popularity? Perhaps, looking at the shipment data above. Tablet sales have never got back to 2013’s dizzying Q4 heights. But, as tablet technology advances, we may see the humble slate return to its 2014 splendour.
The Apple iPad: One Tablet to Rule Them All
As we can see, the Apple iPad consistently does well in terms of sales. With the exception of Italy and Spain, the iPad dominates the market on a country-by-country basis. Its global domination is more than obvious. Will it remain king? For now, we think so. However, Android tablets have seen a resurgence of late, and we may see a new contender for Apple’s crown soon enough.
