![Tablet Sales Expected to Quadruple by 2012 [REPORT]](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/archives/00jk4a4jiDwWwnfUdndkPOC/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1647019337.jpg)
eMarketer estimates that more than 81.3 million tablets will be sold in 2012, up from the estimated 15.7 million units sold worldwide in 2010. Much of that growth, like the entire tablet boom, is expected to be fueled by the iPad.
eMarketer estimates that the iPad currently represents 85% of tablet sales in 2010, and while the firm believes Apple's marketshare will dip in the coming 24 months, it will continue to lead the category.
The report suggests that in 2012, the iPad could sell more than 56.1 million units and represent 69% of total tablet sales.
These are bold predictions, especially as competitors line up to take Apple head-on in the space. Still, with the rapid adoption that the iPad is already seeing across a variety of different industries, the iOS app ecosystem could conceivably remain a big draw.
The study also estimates that the tablet boom will continue to expand worldwide. eMarketer estimates that 62% of tablet sales in 2010 are from the U.S. By 2012, that share is expected to drop to 50%.
Obviously all predictions are just that -- predictions -- but we feel pretty certain that the iPad and the tablet market itself, will continue to be hot tech topics well into 2012.