Apple could sell 7.1 million iPads in 2010, according to iSuppli.
Those sales will double to 14.4 million in 2011 and triple to 20.1 million in 2012, the research firm said in data released Friday.
The tablet, which goes on sale Saturday, will draw in buyers with its various applications and multi-touch capability – features that will offset the device’s lack of Flash, iSuppli said. Most buyers, however, will be early adopters, or those attracted to the touch-based interface. Purchases in 2011 and 2012, meanwhile, will be driven by new apps, improve functionality, and lower prices.
Touch functions are a big draw, said Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research at iSuppli. “Touch is the new standard for user interfaces, providing a naturally intuitive way of operating an electronic device, whether you are two or 92,” she said.
Apple brings touch to two devices that have not gained much traction in the market – Internet appliances and tablet PCs, Alexander said. Apple has limited the iPad as a creation device, but is “compensating for this shortcoming by offering a wealth of easily consumable applications,” she said.
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