In a classic bit of corporate silliness, Microsoft is crowing on twitter about the fact that 12 million iPad users have downloaded Office apps. Thus far however they refuse to state how many of those users have paid the $70+/year subscription fees. I think it’s safe to say that if they liked the number, they’d publicize it.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/03/microsoft-office-ipad-12-million-downloads-seriously/
The iPad Alone 
Considering that in October 2012 there were 400 million iOS devices worldwide, in using that number and using the 12 million downloads, regardless of paid or not, is NOT a high adoption rate at 3% (if I did my math right). I wouldn’t expect 50%, but considering how Office is known and used worldwide, IMO, that’s a pathetic number. I remember the days when people would clamor to get the newest Office or WinOS, but not anymore.
No matter good numbers or not, doesn’t change my mind about getting Office – no thanks 🙂
Agreed on all counts. In fairness if you look at iPad numbers (only) then the adoption rate would be higher. But still not “high” in any meaningful sense, even if 100% of downloaders became paid subscribers. And we know that’s not the case!
Very true Tony with the iPad numbers. You are iPad focused and I am iOS focused 🙂
WIthout having done any searching, do you have any idea what the iPad ownership rough numbers are by chance?
It was 170 million as of October 2013. I guess we’ll get an update with the coming earnings announcement but with the Air, holiday season, etc. I bet it was a banner Q for iPads…
I should also say that that’s sales and not necessarily active users. I find older iPads painful to use at this point. I’m sure many are still in circulation though.
Yeah, _sales_ would be a better indicator.
Look at the reviews on the App Store: Most of the negative reviews come from those who apparently weren’t aware that a subscription is required. The positive ones come from those who already had qualifying subscriptions.
If so many of the customers did not subscribe, and the ones who did keep the apps were existing Office365 subscribers, the net revenue for Microsoft might be rather small.
Really good point. And I bet you’re right – the number of *incremental* paid users on the iPad is probably a small % of the total.