NEW DELHI — Apple shipped 12.6 million tablets in the third quarter (Q3), with a modest growth of 1.4 per cent year-over-year in the quarter and garnering 31.7 per cent market share, as global tablet shipments grew 20.4 per cent to reach 39.6 million units. Back-to-school season helped boost sales for the newly launched iPad Air model, according to an IDC report. At second place, Samsung shipped 7.1 million units with 17.9 per cent market share. In Q3, their low-end Galaxy A9 models drove their sales across most regions. Commercial deployments also played a key role in driving shipments for Samsung. A handful of device refreshes occurred during the recent quarters, and active channel filings were undertaken in preparation for major promotional events and the holiday season, according to the IDC report. “Not surprising to anyone, AI is becoming increasingly integrated into the tablet market, but outside of the Surface led Windows detachable Co-Pilot+ marketing, the remainder is early days at best,” it added. Regardless, these innovations bring a wave of much needed optimism in the tablet market, piquing consumer interest, and potentially higher average selling prices (ASPs). Amazon.com was back in the top 5 and secured the third position...