Global Smartwatch Shipments decline 2% in Q1 2025; Apple leads amid rising Chinese brands
The global smartwatch market saw a 2% year-over-year (YoY) decline in shipments during the first quarter of 2025, signaling a period of stabilization after years of rapid growth. According to the counterpoint research, despite the dip, Apple retained its position as the market leader, capturing 20% of global shipments. It was followed by Huawei with 16% and Xiaomi with 10%, both of which showed significant growth.
Apple slips as Chinese brands accelerate
Among the top 10 smartwatch brands, Huawei and Xiaomi registered the fastest YoY growth, driven by strong domestic demand and expansion in emerging markets. Apple, on the other hand, experienced a 9% YoY decline, primarily due to waning consumer interest. Industry analysts point to the lack of significant innovations in recent Apple Watch models as a key factor, with many users opting to hold off on upgrades.
Apple's market share has also seen notable fluctuations over recent quarters. While it led with 31% share in Q4 2023, its share dropped to 20% in Q1 2025, reflecting a seasonal slowdown and intensifying competition. The 'Others' category — encompassing all non-Apple brands — accounted for 80% of the market in Q1 2025, underscoring the growing diversity of options available to consumers.
China emerged as the top contributor to global smartwatch shipments this quarter, accounting for 29% of total volume. The country also recorded the highest YoY shipment growth at 40%, fueled by robust performance from Huawei, BBK (Imoo), and Xiaomi. This surge highlights China's role as both a major manufacturing hub and a fast-growing consumer market for wearables.
In North America, High-Level Operating System (HLOS) smartwatches dominated with an 84% share, led by Apple, Samsung, and Garmin. The region continues to favor feature-rich smartwatches over basic fitness trackers, driven by health monitoring and connectivity features.
As the smartwatch market matures, brands are expected to focus more on innovation, pricing strategies, and regional customization to sustain growth and consumer interest.Rakesh Kumar @ New Delhi
The global smartwatch market saw a 2% year-over-year (YoY) decline in shipments during the first quarter of 2025, signaling a period of stabilization after years of rapid growth. According to the counterpoint research, despite the dip, Apple retained its position as the market leader, capturing 20% of global shipments. It was followed by Huawei with 16% and Xiaomi with 10%, both of which showed significant growth.
Apple slips as Chinese brands accelerate
Among the top 10 smartwatch brands, Huawei and Xiaomi registered the fastest YoY growth, driven by strong domestic demand and expansion in emerging markets. Apple, on the other hand, experienced a 9% YoY decline, primarily due to waning consumer interest. Industry analysts point to the lack of significant innovations in recent Apple Watch models as a key factor, with many users opting to hold off on upgrades.
Apple's market share has also seen notable fluctuations over recent quarters. While it led with 31% share in Q4 2023, its share dropped to 20% in Q1 2025, reflecting a seasonal slowdown and intensifying competition. The 'Others' category — encompassing all non-Apple brands — accounted for 80% of the market in Q1 2025, underscoring the growing diversity of options available to consumers.
China emerged as the top contributor to global smartwatch shipments this quarter, accounting for 29% of total volume. The country also recorded the highest YoY shipment growth at 40%, fueled by robust performance from Huawei, BBK (Imoo), and Xiaomi. This surge highlights China's role as both a major manufacturing hub and a fast-growing consumer market for wearables.
In North America, High-Level Operating System (HLOS) smartwatches dominated with an 84% share, led by Apple, Samsung, and Garmin. The region continues to favor feature-rich smartwatches over basic fitness trackers, driven by health monitoring and connectivity features.
As the smartwatch market matures, brands are expected to focus more on innovation, pricing strategies, and regional customization to sustain growth and consumer interest.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
33 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Dollar steadies after rally, focus shifts to US-China trade talks
The dollar remained stable against major currencies as optimism from a strong U.S. jobs report was tempered by anticipation for U.S.-China trade talks in London. Dollar remained stable against major currencies before US-China trade discussions in London. Trade talks are crucial due to China's deflation and US business concerns. US delegation includes Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, and Jamieson Greer. Japan's economy contracted less than expected. Investors await US inflation data for May to assess trade policy impact. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The dollar held steady against all major currencies on Monday, as exuberance over an upbeat U.S. employment report gave way to caution ahead of pivotal U.S.-China trade talks set to take place in London later in the talks come at a crucial time for both economies, with China grappling with deflation and trade uncertainty dampening sentiment among U.S. businesses and consumers, prompting investors to reassess the dollar's safe-haven status. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent , Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are expected to represent the U.S. at the trade talks, while vice premier He Lifeng would likely be present with the Chinese delegation."A deal to keep talking might be better than nothing, but unless we see a concrete breakthrough, the impact on sentiment is likely to remain muted," said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo upbeat U.S. jobs report yielded some relief for investors following other bleak economic data last dollar advanced against major peers after the employment report, which cut weekly declines in the dollar index by more than half. However, it is still down by more than 8.6% for the Monday, the yen firmed 0.10% at 144.750 per dollar, as data showed Japan's economy contracted at a slower-than-expected pace in the January-March Swiss franc was steady at 0.8221 per dollar by 0041 GMT. The euro was last flat at $1.1399, while the sterling fetched $ dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against six others, was steady at 99.169. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes was flat in early Asia trading, after a more than 10 basis points jump on Zealand's dollar last bought $0.6020, while the Australian dollar inched up 0.1% at $0.65 in light volumes as markets were closed for a public inflation report out of the U.S. for the month of May will be in the spotlight later in the week as investors and Federal Reserve policymakers look for evidence on the damage trade restrictive policies have had on the officials are in a blackout period ahead of their policy meeting next week, but they have signalled that they are in no rush to cut interest rates and signs of better-than-feared economic resilience are likely to further cement their rate futures indicate that investors are anticipating the central bank may cut borrowing costs by 25 basis points, with the earliest move expected in October this year, according to data compiled by LSEG."May is the first month where the impact of Trump's 10% universal tariff on imports ex-USMCA is expected to show. The Fed will want a few months of inflation data in order to judge the tariff impact and most importantly, its persistence," analysts at ANZ Bank China's offshore yuan was last at 7.187 per dollar ahead of inflation and trade data.
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
US, China seek to extend trade truce with London talks
Washington: After a round of talks in Geneva last month, the United States and China will sit down at the negotiating table in London on Monday to attempt to preserve a fragile truce on trade, despite simmering tensions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will lead the US delegation, President Donald Trump announced Friday. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng -- who led Beijing's negotiating team in Geneva -- will also lead the team in London, the foreign ministry announced at the weekend. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Click Here) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo "The meeting should go very well," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told Fox News on Sunday: "We want China and the United States to continue moving forward with the agreement that was struck in Geneva." Live Events While the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated that it was not involved in the content of the discussions in any way, a spokesperson said: "We are a nation that champions free trade." UK authorities "have always been clear that a trade war is in nobody's interests, so we welcome these talks," the spokesperson added. 'Correcting the course' The talks in London come just a few days after Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping finally held their first publicly announced telephone talks since the Republican returned to the White House. Trump said that call, which took place on Thursday, had reached a "very positive conclusion." Xi was quoted by state-run news agency Xinhua as saying that "correcting the course of the big ship of Sino-US relations requires us to steer well and set the direction." The call came after tensions between the world's two biggest economies had soared, with Trump accusing Beijing of violating a tariff de-escalation deal reached in Geneva in mid-May. "We need China to comply with their side of the deal. And so that's what the trade team will be discussing tomorrow," Leavitt said Sunday. In April, Trump introduced sweeping worldwide tariffs that targeted China most heavily. At one point the United States hit China with additional levies of 145 percent on its goods as both sides engaged in tit-for-tat escalation. China's countermeasures on US goods reached 125 percent. Then in Switzerland, after two days of talks, the two sides agreed to slash their staggeringly high tariffs for 90 days. But differences have persisted, including over China's restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals used in tech products. 'Green channel' Throughout its talks with Washington, China also has launched discussions with other trading partners -- including Japan and South Korea -- in a bid to build a united front to counter Trump's tariffs. On Thursday, Beijing turned to Canada, with the two sides agreeing to regularize their channels of communication after a period of strained ties. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese Premier Li Qiang also discussed trade and the fentanyl crisis, Ottawa said. Beijing proposed establishing a "green channel" to ease the export of rare earths to the European Union, and fast-tracking approval of some export licenses. That proposal from the commerce ministry in Beijing came after talks on Tuesday between China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. China is expected to host a summit with the EU in July, marking 50 years since Beijing and Brussels established diplomatic ties.
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Dollar steadies after rally, focus shifts to US-China trade talks
The dollar held steady against all major currencies on Monday, as exuberance over an upbeat U.S. employment report gave way to caution ahead of pivotal U.S.-China trade talks set to take place in London later in the day. The talks come at a crucial time for both economies, with China grappling with deflation and trade uncertainty dampening sentiment among U.S. businesses and consumers, prompting investors to reassess the dollar's safe-haven status. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 허리통증에 다리가 저리다면 지금 늦지 않았다! 비수술로 치료 가능합니다! ort02a_강남정형외과병원 지금 문의 Undo Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent , Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are expected to represent the U.S. at the trade talks, while vice premier He Lifeng would likely be present with the Chinese delegation. "A deal to keep talking might be better than nothing, but unless we see a concrete breakthrough, the impact on sentiment is likely to remain muted," said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets. Friday's upbeat U.S. jobs report yielded some relief for investors following other bleak economic data last week. Live Events The dollar advanced against major peers after the employment report, which cut weekly declines in the dollar index by more than half. However, it is still down by more than 8.6% for the year. On Monday, the yen firmed 0.10% at 144.750 per dollar, as data showed Japan's economy contracted at a slower-than-expected pace in the January-March period. The Swiss franc was steady at 0.8221 per dollar by 0041 GMT. The euro was last flat at $1.1399, while the sterling fetched $1.3535. The dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against six others, was steady at 99.169. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes was flat in early Asia trading, after a more than 10 basis points jump on Friday. New Zealand's dollar last bought $0.6020, while the Australian dollar inched up 0.1% at $0.65 in light volumes as markets were closed for a public holiday. An inflation report out of the U.S. for the month of May will be in the spotlight later in the week as investors and Federal Reserve policymakers look for evidence on the damage trade restrictive policies have had on the economy. Fed officials are in a blackout period ahead of their policy meeting next week, but they have signalled that they are in no rush to cut interest rates and signs of better-than-feared economic resilience are likely to further cement their stance. Interest rate futures indicate that investors are anticipating the central bank may cut borrowing costs by 25 basis points, with the earliest move expected in October this year, according to data compiled by LSEG. "May is the first month where the impact of Trump's 10% universal tariff on imports ex-USMCA is expected to show. The Fed will want a few months of inflation data in order to judge the tariff impact and most importantly, its persistence," analysts at ANZ Bank said. Elsewhere, China's offshore yuan was last at 7.187 per dollar ahead of inflation and trade data.
