Apple Watch Leads as China Becomes Largest Wearables Market

The global market for wrist-worn devices, which includes smartwatches and fitness bands, continues to experience notable shifts in 2024, according to the latest Worldwide Wearables Quarterly Tracker from the IDC.

From January to September 2024, a total of 139 million wrist-worn devices were shipped globally. Much of the market’s stagnation can be attributed to challenges such as product saturation in key regions like India and the United States. However, China has outpaced every other region, shipping 45.8 million devices.

Apple remains a prominent player in the global smartwatch market, with the release of the Apple Watch Series 10 temporarily propelling the tech giant back to the top of the wrist-worn device market in the third quarter of 2024. However, fierce competition across various price points in the smartwatch space has made maintaining leadership more challenging for the iPhone maker.

Although the Apple Watch continues to dominate the smartwatch category, industry analysts suggest that the company needs to introduce more groundbreaking innovations to stay ahead of the competition.

Several competitors are ramping up their efforts, offering new features and improved designs to capture market share.

• Huawei has seen significant year-over-year growth, thanks to its strong product lineup, which includes the new GT5 and GT5 Pro smartwatches and the WATCH D2 blood pressure monitor. These products feature Huawei’s TruSense System, enhancing health monitoring capabilities and data accuracy.
• Xiaomi’s Band 9, launched in the third quarter, received a positive reception for its upgraded screen brightness, extended battery life, and expanded fitness tracking functions. This launch bolstered Xiaomi’s overall shipments and market share.
• Samsung introduced its 7th-generation smartwatches, expanding its portfolio with the premium “Ultra” model and a budget-friendly FE version. These additions helped Samsung sustain growth and meet diverse customer needs.

For Apple, staying ahead will require consistent innovation. Enhanced features in health monitoring, battery life improvements, or even integration with upcoming technologies like AI-driven insights could be key to bolstering its market position in the future.