Apple and Samsung Electronics combined for 71% of the 41.3 million branded tablets in the first quarter of 2014, according to ABI Research. This is the closest the two leading vendors have come to date and the pair remains well-ahead the rest of the pack.

　　"Despite questions remaining about data disclosure in 2010 and 2011, Samsung's release of tablet sales data for the first quarter is a good sign for the mobile computing market," said senior practice director Jeff Orr. "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."

　　The mix of tablet operating systems is also showing signs of stability with only minor changes in shipment share. Android continues to lead new tablet shipments at 56.3% for the first quarter followed by iOS at 39.6% and Windows 8/RT at 4.1% with an accuracy of 3% due to vendors yet to report, the firm said.

　　A bright spot in the quarter was the tablet attach rate level of mobile broadband modems (3G and 4G). A little over 1-in-5 tablets, or 22%, shipped with an embedded modem, which is the highest penetration seen since the September quarter of 2011. "As major advanced markets become saturated, buyers are expanding their tablet use case, which is also pushing up the ASP in these markets," added Orr.