Apple Loses Top Spot in Wrist-Worn Wearables Market

A Surprising New Leader Takes the Crown

For years, Apple has dominated the wrist-worn wearables market, but according to the latest data from IDC, a new company has taken the top spot. Huawei, a brand that has been heavily sanctioned by the US, has shipped an impressive 23.6 million wrist-worn wearable units in the first three quarters of 2024, representing a staggering 44.2% year-over-year gain.

[Image: Huawei has replaced Apple as the world’s top brand of wrist-worn wearables – A surprising name replaces Apple at the top of the wrist-worn wearables market]

Huawei’s success can be attributed to its strong smartwatch lineup, which has helped the company achieve a significant year-over-year gain in shipments. Meanwhile, Apple’s shipments declined by 12.8% during the same period.

The Top 5 Wrist-Worn Wearables Brands

Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 wrist-worn wearables brands for the first three quarters of 2024:

* Huawei: 23.6 million units shipped, with a 44.2% year-over-year gain
* Apple: 22.5 million units shipped, with a 12.8% decline
* Xiaomi: 20.5 million units shipped, with a 26.5% year-over-year gain
* Samsung: 11.5 million units shipped, with a 24.3% year-over-year gain
* BBK: 7.8 million units shipped, with a 25.9% year-over-year gain

China Remains the Largest Market for Wrist-Worn Wearables

China continues to be the largest market for wrist-worn wearables, with 45.8 million units shipped in the first three quarters of 2024, representing a 20.1% year-over-year increase. The country’s love for wearable devices is evident, with Huawei, Apple, and Xiaomi all experiencing significant growth in the region.

Key Takeaways

* Huawei has taken the top spot in the wrist-worn wearables market, shipping 23.6 million units in the first three quarters of 2024
* Apple’s shipments declined by 12.8% during the same period
* Xiaomi, Samsung, and BBK round out the top 5 wrist-worn wearables brands
* China remains the largest market for wrist-worn wearables, with 45.8 million units shipped in the first three quarters of 2024