Huawei Knocks Apple Off Its Perch: Unexpected Leader in Global Wearables Market
In a stunning upset, Huawei has dethroned Apple as the world’s leading brand for wrist-worn wearable devices. According to the latest data from IDC’s Worldwide Wearables quarterly Tracker, Huawei shipped a remarkable 23.6 million units during the first three quarters of 2024, representing a staggering 44.2% year-over-year increase. This surge catapults huawei to the top, leaving Apple in second place.
The news is particularly surprising given the extensive sanctions imposed on Huawei by the U.S. government. Despite these challenges, Huawei’s robust smartwatch portfolio and strong market presence have driven remarkable growth. In contrast, Apple experienced a 12.8% decline in shipments during the same period, shipping 22.5 million units. This difference of 1.1 million units ultimately secured Huawei’s lead.
“What makes the world’s leading wrist-worn wearables brand such a stunner is that this company has been severely sanctioned by the U.S.,” notes an industry analyst. This unexpected victory highlights Huawei’s resilience and strategic prowess in navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
Xiaomi Claims Third Place
Rounding out the top three is Xiaomi, driven largely by the success of its Xiaomi Band 9. The band 9’s improved screen brightness, enhanced battery life, and expanded fitness tracking features contributed to a 26.5% year-over-year increase in shipments, totaling 20.5 million units during the first three quarters of 2024.
China Remains the Dominant Market
While the global landscape has shifted,China continues to be the largest market for wrist-worn wearables. This dominance underscores the significant growth potential within the Asian market and the intense competition among major players vying for market share.
This unexpected shift in the global wearables market has significant implications for both established players and emerging brands. The success of Huawei,despite facing significant geopolitical headwinds,serves as a compelling case study in strategic adaptation and market resilience. the continued dominance of the Chinese market also highlights the importance of this region in shaping the future of the wearable technology industry.
Smartwatch Market Sees Mixed Results in Q3 2024
The global smartwatch market experienced a mixed bag of results in the first three quarters of 2024, according to new data. While overall shipments dipped slightly, some key players saw significant growth, highlighting a dynamic and competitive landscape.
Samsung, a major player in the tech world, reported strong performance. Their shipments of watches totaled 11.5 million units during the first nine months of the year, representing a robust 24.3% year-over-year increase. This success is partly attributed to the launch of their high-end Galaxy Watch Ultra, directly challenging the popular Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has set a high bar for competition in the premium smartwatch segment.
Interestingly, BBK Electronics, primarily known for its children’s smartwatches, also saw impressive growth.The company shipped 7.8 million watches during the same period, a 25.9% jump compared to the previous year.This underscores the expanding market for specialized wearables, particularly within the children’s segment in China, where BBK holds the top spot.
however, the overall market showed a slight decline. Total shipments of wrist-worn wearables, encompassing both smartwatches and fitness trackers, reached 139 million units in the first three quarters of 2024. This represents a modest 1% decrease (or 1.5 million units) compared to the same period in 2023.
Market share analysis reveals Huawei as the leading brand, capturing 16.9% of the market during the first three quarters. Apple followed closely with 16.2%, and Xiaomi secured 14.7%. This competitive landscape reflects the ongoing battle for dominance in the global wearable technology sector.
China continues to be the largest market for wearable technology, with 45.8 million units shipped in the first three quarters of 2024, a significant 20.1% increase year-over-year. This growth highlights the increasing adoption of smartwatches and fitness trackers in the region. Devices included in this data range from refined smartwatches to simpler fitness trackers like the Xiaomi Band 9.
The data suggests a dynamic market with both growth and contraction. while the overall market experienced a slight slowdown, the success of specific brands and product categories indicates opportunities for innovation and targeted marketing within the wearable technology sector. The continued dominance of the Chinese market also highlights the importance of this region for global wearable manufacturers.
