IDC: China leads global wrist-worn shipments during Q1-Q3 period
The global wrist-worn device market (smartwatches and wristbands) reached 139 million shipments during the first three quarters of 2024 as per the latest IDC report. The January – September period brought a 1% decline in shipments, which was due to market saturation across key markets, including the United States and India.
On the other hand, China was the leading market for wrist-worn wearables, with an estimated 45.8 million units: a 20% year-on-year increase. Smartwatches accounted for 32.9 million of those units - a 23.3% increase on the yearly basis.
Huawei was the leading brand in terms of global shipments during the Q1-Q3 period with 23.6 million units and a 16.9% market share. The brand’s GT5 series and Watch D2 proved popular with consumers across its key markets.
Apple came in second place with 22.5 million shipments and a 16.2% global market share. Cupertino saw a 12.8% decline in shipments compared to the same period last year. That was mainly due to fierce competition from competitors.
Xiaomi came in third place with 20.5 million shipments and a 14.7% market share, followed by Samsung with 11.5 million shipments (8.3% market share) and the BBK group (Oppo, vivo, OnePlus, Realme) with its 7.8 million units and 5.6% market share.
Looking ahead, IDC expects the Chinese wrist-worn market to jump to 3.2% YoY growth with 62.5 million shipments in 2025. IDC analysts predict a diversification of the online and offline sales channels, improved accuracy from health sensors and new personalization features.
Reader comments
- Anonymous
They barely manage to though. Being able to make it to 36 hours when you're careful with your usage isn't much of a win here since the end effect is you're still going to want to make sure you charge the thing at least once every day ...
- 20 Dec 2024
- EUk
I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic, but Samsung wearables last over a day. Most of these smart watches can't go 24 hours with the GPS actively tracking, unless you switch to GPS low power mode.
- 19 Dec 2024
- iRM
- Zadrigo
I agree. They should be treated separately, its not something I'd argue against. Only thing I deduce is that they still coordinate and industry analysts should know that. Similar to Huawei and Honor, which are treated separately, as they should.
- 19 Dec 2024
- sw3