Apple and Samsung accounted for 71 per cent of the 41.3 million ‘branded’ tablets shipped during the first quarter of 2014, according to ABI Research, indicating that the pair “remain well ahead of the rest of the pack”.

“Despite questions remaining about data disclosure in 2010 and 2011, Samsung’s release of tablet sales data this past quarter is a good sign for the mobile computing market. Whether due to its confidence in the economy, its own business, or a combination of reasons, Samsung continues to demonstrate tablet growth as its 2013 retail push in North America and Western Europe pays off,” said senior practice director Jeff Orr.

The first quarter of the year is traditionally a low point for consumer electronics spend, coming directly after the lucrative Christmas holiday sales period.

Apple saw its share slip 10.1 per cent year-on-year to 16.4 million units, while Samsung saw a 10.8 per cent increase to 13 million units.

The mix of tablet operating systems is “showing signs of stability”, with only minor changes in shipment share. Android leads the way with 56.3 per cent of new shipments, followed by iOS at 39.6 per cent and Windows 8/RT at 4.1 per cent.