Shipments of 7-inch tablets doubled in 2012

The release of Apple’s iPad Mini helped fuel substantial growth in worldwide shipments of 7-inch tablets over 2012.

A forecast from IHS iSuppli, global sales of tablets with displays in the 7-inch size range are expected to boom by about 100% this year to 34 million units.

This is up from 17 million in 2011. Sales will nearly double again in 2013, rising 96% to 67 million.

“Just as Apple has dominated the market for 9.7-inch tablets with its iPad, iPad 2 and new iPad models, the company is poised to rule the market for 7.x-inch products, driving rapid growth of the segment in 2012 and 2013,” said Rhoda Alexander, director, tablet and monitor research for IHS.

“The battle in the 7-inch space is highly spirited, with most of the other leading vendors already offering price-competitive products in this size range. IHS predicts Apple will successfully position the smaller iPad as a device that will be attractive and easy to adopt for both new and returning customers. This will spur rapid sales growth and provide tough competition for other companies contending in this size range.”

More details are available over at IHS.