Nexus 7 knocks Apple’s iPad off top-spot in Japan

Apple is no longer the number one tablet manufacturer in Japan, according to a new study. Google’s Nexus 7 is, reportedly topping the charts with around 44 per cent of the market. 

Apple’s iPad, according to the study, accounts for around 40 per cent, placing Google and Asus’ thoroughly excellent tablet device well in front of Apple’s once-untouchable iPad. 

The survey, conducted in December by research firm BCN, used data collected from 2,400 Japanese consumer electronics stores, reports Digital Trends. 

That’s great news for Asus and Google and yet more bad news for Apple – the iPhone-maker’s share value has consistently dropped for the last few quarters, calling certain aspects of its business into question. 

One of the main things attracting customers to the Nexus 7 is its affordable price, says BCN, and excellent hardware. Google sells the device at rock bottom prices and makes its cash through the Play store and ads. 

Many analysts are now calling for Apple to adopt a similar approach. Not releasing an affordable iPhone, argued one analyst, could jeopardise its entire smartphone business. 

We’re not sure about that – but it’d certainly be nice to have a little more selection when it came to iOS-powered devices. 

Google and Asus are expected to unveil the successor to 2012’s Nexus 7 at search giant’s annual I/O 2013 developer conference.