In 2014, the global tablet market is set to show its first signs of slowing down -- sprouting its first few gray hairs, so to speak.
On the surface this seems slightly absurd. How could a market that began less than five years ago with Apple's (AAPL 1.56%) introduction of the iPad in 2010 be approaching mass-market saturation? Fast forward to today and both Apple and Google (GOOGL 2.81%) have carved out dominant portions of what's now become a truly global market.
But like it or not, that appears to be the case according to one firm's recent estimates.
Growing up fast
Research firm IDC recently came out with data that implies both Apple and Google might need to search for a new growth driver -- and quick. According to IDC, the tablet market is set to expand a now-paltry 20% in CY 2014. This comes as another market both Apple and Google dominate, the global smartphone market, appears to be slowly maturing as well.
In the video below, tech-and-telecom analyst Andrew Tonner looks at the growth expectations for the tablet market going forward and the implications this industry-wide sea change could have on both Apple and Google.
