'Post-PC Era' Predicted By Steve Jobs Taking Hold as Samsung Tops Apple in Connected Device Market

The reality of the "post-PC era" predicted by Steve Jobs at the launch of the iPad 2 in 2011 can clearly be seen in a single graphic created by market intelligence company IDC in a report on what the firm refers to as the Smart Connected Device Market.

idc connected devices 2010 2012
(Legend omits smartphones shown in yellow)

The chart shows the market share decline of both desktop PCs (from 23% in 2010 to just 12% in 2012) and laptops (from 29% to 17%), while tablets grew from 3% to 11% and smartphones from 45% to 60%. Overall, PCs have seen their share of the total smart connected device market fall from roughly 50% to just 30% in only two years.

The figures do not, of course, necessarily indicate device preference, as some may choose a cheaper device for financial reasons, especially in developing markets.

Across the four markets, Apple increased its market share from 16.3% in 2011 to 18.2% in 2012, but dropped from first to second place as it was outpaced by Samsung, whose market share grew from 12.3% to 20.8%.

apple-2nd

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Top Rated Comments

bbplayer5 Avatar
165 months ago
I still hate the idea of "post PC". None of these portable devices replaces a laptop or a desktop computer. Its simply Post PC because Apple said so, and people like to do what they are told.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleScruff1 Avatar
165 months ago
Here we go again.....................I'm making popcorn. :D
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MR.Raul Avatar
165 months ago
"Apple comes out with a new product, have 100% of the market"
of course it's only gonna decline after that.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unggoy Murderer Avatar
165 months ago
Not really surprised Samsung are on top. They do have about a million different devices to sell. :rolleyes:
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman Avatar
165 months ago
I still hate the idea of "post PC". None of these portable devices replaces a laptop or a desktop computer. Its simply Post PC because Apple said so, and people like to do what they are told.
When you start seeing tat most people you knew carrying laptops in the past are now carrying Tablets instead, then you know it's a "Post-PC Era".
There are many situations in which an iPad can do most of your required tasks without the need for a laptop or desktop.

In my case, since I got my iPad 1, my MBP has stayed home.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman Avatar
165 months ago
Samsung from 12% to 20% - wow
Well, they are selling tons of cheap phones mainly to be used to Twit, post to Facebook or send Text Messages. That's what most kids do anyway; no need for a higher end device.

And they have multiple carrier options, not like iPhone stuck primarily to AT&T with a bleeding plan.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)