Apple's iPad ranks ahead of Samsung and Asus according to a recent 2014 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study from J.D. Power. Apple's iPad ranked top for the third time. This should be great news for Apple as the company will be releasing its refreshed line of iPads this coming September according to predictions of analysts. With Apple's iPad getting ahead of others, can the tech giant take advantage of its upcoming major release?

Apple Insider reported about J.D. Power's 2014 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study ranking Apple as the leading tablet according to surveyed American consumers. This should be ideal for Apple as the overall satisfaction for leading tablets over the years have declined thanks to more low-cost options on the market.

The iPad scored with flying colors with the J.D. Power's Power Circle ratings. It was the only tablet to score five out of five. Competitors like Amazon, Asus and Samsung scored three out of five. Acer, on the other hand, scored with two.

Throughout the years, consumers have been particular about the price of its tablets. Cost has influenced the appeal of tablets more than the brand reputation and features. More affordable tablets have prompted other companies to reduce their price tags on some of their offerings. For instance, the standard tablet price went down from $390 to $337 between 2012 and 2014. Overall consumer satisfaction suffered as well. It went down to 835 points in 2013 from 853 points in 2012. Consumer satisfaction is measured against a 1,000 point scale. According to J.D. Power:

"Since the inaugural U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study in 2012, a number of new tablet OEMs have entered the U.S. marketplace, differentiating themselves to satisfy a growing interest in owning a tablet," J.D. Power telecommunications services director Kirk Parsons said in a release. "Price has significantly impacted the marketplace. The average purchase price continues to drop and consumer expectations of tablet performance and features are different than they were for past products. Subsequently, overall satisfaction has declined, especially with ease of operation, as navigation features and functions have changed."

Apple has yet to make an official announcement about the release of the iPads this year.