Though some analysts think the tablet market is saturated in the U.S. and the significant growth opportunities are outside the country, Parks Associates data points to room for growth in the U.S. According to the survey results, over 60% of U.S. homes with broadband access own tablets. Among more affluent broadband users (those making over $100,000 a year), 70% own tablets. This may indicate that tablet market is growth is increasingly price-driven.

Apple may want to consider offering more affordable models if it wants to penetrate the remaining 40% of broadband homes, and also stanch the flow of consumers away from its premium tablet models toward the more affordable, but often just as powerful Android-based tablets from Amazon and Samsung.

But Parks Associates is hanging the fortunes of Apple's iPad on Apple Pay.

"Apple Pay on iPad can go a long way in helping Apple arrest its shrinking market share in the tablet marketplace," said Tejas Mehta, a Parks Associates research analyst. However, this assumes that Apple will add NFC chips to all new iPad models (the biometric TouchID touchpad is far more likely) and that consumers will be comfortable tapping an 8.9-inch tablet on a touchless transaction kiosk.

From the article "What Will It Take for Apple to Rejuvenate iPad Sales?" by Lance Ulanoff.

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