Android had a bumper first quarter for tablet sales, and is now closing in on market leader Apple in this rapidly expanding market, according to figures from Strategy Analytics.

During the three months ended March 2013, Android shipments shot up by 177 per cent, to 17.6 million units, compared with the same period the year before.

Android’s market share now stands at 43.4 per cent, compared with 34.2 per cent twelve months previously.

Apple is still out in front, with a market share of 48.2 per cent, but that is down from 63.1 per cent in Q1 2012.

When white label devices are added into the mix, however, Strategy Analytics estimates that Android’s share of the total tablet market increases significantly, to 52 per cent, and Apple’s iOS slips to 41 per cent.

The bulk of ‘white-box’ tablets are low-budget Android models, says the market-research firm, aimed at a different market segment to the branded tablets.

Nonetheless, figures from Strategy Analytics still show a solid performance from the Cupertino giant, helped by its Mini iPad. Apple shipped 19.5 million tablets during the three months ended March compared with 11.8 million in Q1 2012.

“Global branded tablet shipments reached an all-time high of 40.6 million units in Q1 2013, surging 117 percent from 18.7 million in Q1 2012,” said Peter King, Strategy Analytics’ director of tablets. “Demand for tablets among consumer, business and education users remains strong.”

Microsoft, however, only captured a small 7.4 per cent global tablet share in Q1 2013. Very limited distribution, a shortage of top tier apps, and confusion in the market, are all holding back Microsoft shipments says Strategy Analytics.