In a surprising twist, Huawei has overtaken Apple to become the world’s top smartwatch maker. After years of dominance by Apple, Huawei’s rise to the top has turned heads in the wearable tech industry. Here’s how they pulled it off. Below, we shall talk more on Huawei surpasses Apple smartwatch market.
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Huawei surpasses Apple smartwatch market:
Huawei has surpassed Apple to claim the title of the world’s biggest smartwatch manufacturer, marking a significant shift in the wearable tech market. According to a recent report from IDC, Huawei captured 16.9% of the global smartwatch market from Q1 to Q3 of 2024, shipping 23.6 million units. This outpaced Apple, which shipped 22.5 million units and held a 16.2% market share during the same period.
Key Factors Behind Huawei’s Success
One of the main drivers of Huawei’s growth in the smartwatch segment has been its popular models, including the Huawei Watch GT5, Watch GT5 Pro, and Watch D2. These models contributed to a remarkable 44.3% year-on-year growth for Huawei, as the brand continues to expand its presence in the global market.
In contrast, Apple experienced a 12.8% decline year-on-year in the same timeframe. Despite this, Apple still holds a strong position in the wearable market, especially in premium smartwatches. However, the decline in shipments and Huawei’s rapid rise has reshaped the competitive landscape.
Market Dynamics
The Chinese smartwatch market saw a significant 23.3% growth year-on-year, helping Huawei increase its lead. Meanwhile, other major markets such as the US and India experienced declines during the same period. Xiaomi secured third in global smartwatch shipments, followed by Samsung and BBK in fourth and fifth positions.
Interestingly, while Huawei has taken the lead in the global smartwatch market, Apple continues to dominate in its home country, the US, where it remains the top seller in the smartwatch segment. The shift in rankings highlights the growing competition in the wearable tech space, particularly as Chinese brands gain ground in markets outside of the US.
Conclusion
Huawei’s rise to the top as the world’s largest smartwatch maker is a testament to its increasing influence in the wearable tech market. While Apple remains a key player, especially in the premium segment, the competition has become fiercer than ever. Huawei’s impressive growth and innovative smartwatch models have positioned it as a major contender in the industry, and it will be interesting to see how this rivalry unfolds in the coming months.
