Earlier this week, I discussed Apple Inc. (AAPL) iPad growth concerns, noting that increased competition and weakening demand could lead to issues for the tablet leader down the road.

This time around, I’m going to stay on the same track but dive deeper into the roller coaster ride that has become the iPad.

Digitimes Research is expecting big things out of the global tablet market during the third quarter, with shipments growing 9.1% year over year.

As I noted before, the third quarter is expected to be a big one for Apple, with shipments making a recovery and the company once again holding onto its top spot.

But in true roller coaster fashion, this is not going to last very long. When the fourth quarter of 2014 rolls around, iPads are expected to take a big hit. Here’s what Digitimes had to say:

“Although iPads are expected to enjoy a shipment recovery in the third quarter, volumes in the fourth quarter will decline over 10% compared to the same period a year ago because Apple is lacking a new 7.85-inch iPad product, demand from mature markets is dropping, and new iPhones will replace some iPad demand.”

Competition Coming Hard

The iPad is in no imminent danger of losing its spot at the top of the tablet market. What Cupertino does need to worry about is the competition chipping away at its lead, slowly but surely. For example, Android L is coming soon, which will mark a huge upgrade over the current Android platform. Will this give tablets running the Android OS a boost? Only time will tell, but early indications are positive.

This roller coaster ride is nothing new for AAPL, with the company continually facing challenges and needing to make the right adjustments along the way. This time will be no different. The fourth quarter may not go as expected in terms of iPad shipments, but with the help of the next-generation iPad, I believe 2015 will start off with a bang.

As of this writing, Chris Bibey did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.