Huawei tops global smartwatch market

Tech giant Huawei Technologies overtook Apple to rank as the world's leading smartwatch supplier for the first time in the second quarter of this year, while China became the top advanced smartwatch market, according to Counterpoint Research.

Huawei's smartwatch shipments surged 52% in the three months ended June 30 from a year earlier, with its market share up to 21% from 15%, according to a report released by Counterpoint on Aug. 28. Apple’s deliveries dipped 3%, dropping for the seventh straight month and dragging its market share down to 17% from 19%.

However, California-based Apple maintains its leading position in the high-end smartwatch market thanks to the strength of its iOS ecosystem and sustained user loyalty, Counterpoint pointed out.

“With over three-fourths of its shipments concentrated in China and a majority of its portfolio skewed between US$100 and US$400, Huawei continues to deliver a compelling range of smartwatches that resonate across consumer segments,” said Anshika Jain, a senior research analyst at Counterpoint. “Huawei has been slowly expanding its presence in other regions like Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific, to broaden its user base globally.”

Xiaomi’s smartwatch shipments soared 38%, ranking the Chinese electronics giant third with a 9% market share, followed by Imoo, the world’s leading kids smartwatches brand, with a 7% share, after its shipments surged 21%. South Korea’s Samsung Electronics dropped to fifth, with its deliveries falling 3% for a 6% share.

Global smartwatch shipments jumped 8% last quarter from a year ago, increasing for the first time since the first quarter of last year, with the Chinese market playing a pivotal role in the market’s recovery.

According to Jain, the smartwatch market will likely continue to recover this year and grow 7% from the previous year.

In addition, China became the world’s biggest market for high-end smartwatches after surpassing North America for the first time, with shipments soaring 33% thanks to the outstanding performance of domestic brands.

“China’s market benefits greatly from affordable options, targeted government subsidies, and deep integration with local app ecosystems that enhance daily utility, from payments to health tracking, making smartwatches indispensable across consumer tiers,” noted Balbir Singh, another research analyst at Counterpoint.