According to the latest statistics released by ABI Research, the emergence of Android-based tablets on the Apple iPad-dominated tablet arena has led to a 14 percent fall in the iPad's tablet market share.

The ABI Research data has revealed that even though the iPad is still dominates the tablet market, the increasing growth of Android competitors has apparently made a notable dent in the Apple tablet's market share.

As per the figures released by ABI Research, the different versions of the iPad accounted for 55 percent of the tablets shipped during the third quarter; thereby underscoring a 14 percent plunge in the tablet's second-quarter market share. Moreover, the third-quarter market share of the iPad marked the lowest level which the tablet has witnessed ever since its 2010 release.

With the tablets manufactured by like Samsung, Asus and Amazon - the key backers of Google's Android mobile OS - accounting for 44 percent of the tablet shipments during the mentioned quarter, ABI Research has speculated that the tablet market share of the Android will continue to experience further growth in the coming quarters.

Noting that the Android is "the OS of choice for the majority of device OEMs [original equipment manufacturers]," ABI Research's Jeff Orr said in a statement: "We expect the Android ecosystem to continue growing in numbers -- new manufacturers, better device choices for reaching more markets, and more developers finding value from apps and content."