IDC: Huawei was the #1 smartwatch maker in Q1-Q3 this year, Xiaomi was the fastest growing

"The global market for wrist-worn smart devices - a category that combines smartwatches with the simpler fitness trackers - has reached 150+ million units shipped during the first three quarters of this year. This represents a 10% increase over the same period last year, IDC reports. Of those, smartwatches accounted for nearly 120 million units, up 7.3% year-on-year. The simple and affordable fitness trackers saw a bigger increase in demand, up 21.3% year-on-year, with a total of 32.86 million units."

"In contrast, Apple, which is #3 globally and #4 in China, only offers mid-range to high-end models. This year the focus was on advancing connectivity features like 5G and satellite messaging. IDC says that such advanced connectivity, along with integrating AI applications and ever more sophisticated health-tracking features, will be the key drivers of growth for the next year. That is for all companies, not just Apple."

Global shipments of wrist-worn smart devices exceeded 150 million units during the first three quarters, a 10% year-on-year increase. Smartwatches accounted for nearly 120 million units, up 7.3%, while affordable fitness trackers rose 21.3% to 32.86 million units. Huawei led with 28.6 million units, most sold within China (20.8 million), and is pursuing overseas expansion. Xiaomi shipped 27.9 million units and was the fastest-growing top-five manufacturer, buoyed by affordable bands and Redmi watches across China, Southeast Asia, and South America. Apple emphasized advanced connectivity features, and growth is expected from connectivity, AI, and health-tracking enhancements.

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