Global shipments of wrist-worn smart devices continued to expand in the first three quarters of the year, reflecting strong consumer interest in both smartwatches and basic fitness trackers. According to IDC data, more than 150 million units were shipped worldwide during this period, marking a 10 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Smartwatches accounted for nearly 120 million units, representing year-on-year growth of 7.3 percent, while simpler fitness trackers experienced even faster growth, rising 21.3 percent to 32.86 million units. Analysts attribute this growth to a combination of technological advancements, increasing health awareness, and the availability of more affordable devices across global markets.
Huawei emerged as the leading vendor globally, shipping 28.6 million wrist-worn devices in the first three quarters of the year. The success of the Huawei Watch GT 6 and Watch GT 6 Pro played a key role in this performance. IDC data shows that 20.8 million of Huawei’s shipments were delivered within China, highlighting the company’s strong domestic position, while efforts to expand its presence in overseas markets continue. Huawei’s strategy combines high-quality design, advanced features, and competitive pricing to capture a significant share of both domestic and international markets, making it a dominant player in the wrist-worn device segment.
Xiaomi secured the second position in global shipments and posted the fastest growth among the top five manufacturers. The company shipped 27.9 million units, supported by high demand for lower-priced models such as the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 and several Redmi Watch devices. While China remained a major market for Xiaomi, the company also performed strongly in Southeast Asia and South America, benefiting from a combination of affordability, design variety, and brand recognition. Xiaomi’s rapid growth indicates increasing consumer preference for budget-friendly devices that still offer essential health and connectivity features, which is driving expansion beyond traditional smartphone markets.
Apple ranked third globally and fourth in China during the first three quarters. Unlike its competitors, Apple continues to focus on mid-range and high-end devices, concentrating on improving connectivity features such as 5G support and satellite messaging rather than entering lower-priced segments. Samsung placed fourth globally, recovering in the third quarter after challenges earlier in the year. The launch of the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic helped the company regain momentum and post year-on-year growth across the first three quarters. IDC analysts noted that future growth in the wrist-worn device market will likely be driven by connectivity improvements, deeper integration of AI applications, and increasingly sophisticated health monitoring capabilities. These trends are expected to influence all major brands, highlighting the importance of innovation and consumer engagement in a rapidly evolving wearable technology sector.
The expansion of wrist-worn smart devices illustrates the continued demand for devices that combine functionality, style, and health features. With Huawei leading global shipments, Xiaomi growing rapidly, and Apple and Samsung consolidating their positions, the market is seeing a dynamic balance of premium and affordable options. As technology advances, integration of AI and health-focused innovations is expected to further shape consumer choices and drive competition across both mature and emerging markets, ensuring that wrist-worn smart devices remain a critical segment in the global technology landscape.
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