Global Smartwatch Shipments Decline 2% Year-Over-Year in Q1 2025
Global smartwatch shipments experienced a decline of two percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, as reported by a market research firm. This downturn is attributed to a slowdown in India’s once-thriving smartwatch market and a decrease in shipments from Apple. In contrast, China has seen a notable increase in shipments, particularly in the kids’ smartwatch segment, driven by local brands such as Huawei, Imoo, and Xiaomi. Experts anticipate a market recovery later in 2025, fueled by the introduction of new models and a growing user base for advanced smartwatches.
Decline in Global Smartwatch Shipments
According to Counterpoint Research, global smartwatch shipments fell by two percent year-on-year in Q1 2025, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of decline. The report highlights that this downturn is primarily due to a slowdown in India’s previously booming smartwatch market and a drop in shipments from Apple. Despite this global trend, China experienced a remarkable 37 percent year-on-year growth in smartwatch shipments, driven by strong local demand and competitive pricing strategies from brands like Huawei, Imoo, and Xiaomi. This growth has elevated China’s share of the global smartwatch market to its highest level since Q4 2020.
Apple, despite facing a year-on-year decline for the sixth consecutive quarter, continues to hold the top position in global smartwatch market share, supported by a growing base of iOS users. Following Apple, Huawei and Xiaomi have also maintained significant market shares, thanks to their diverse product offerings and strong domestic performance. Conversely, Samsung reported an 18 percent year-on-year decline in smartwatch shipments, attributed to the underwhelming performance of its previous-generation models in key markets.
Growth in Kids’ Smartwatch Segment
The report indicates that the kids’ smartwatch segment has seen substantial global growth, with Imoo leading the market due to its affordable and feature-rich products. China remains the largest contributor to global kids’ smartwatch shipments, with notable growth also observed in North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. This trend reflects a growing parental preference for delaying smartphone use among children, alongside increasing concerns regarding location tracking for their kids.
As parents seek reliable solutions for monitoring their children’s whereabouts, the demand for kids’ smartwatches is expected to continue rising. The affordability and functionality of these devices make them appealing to families, contributing to the overall growth of the smartwatch market.
Shifts in Consumer Preferences and Market Outlook
The global smartwatch market is undergoing a significant shift in consumer preferences, with buyers increasingly moving towards higher-priced models that offer enhanced features and long-term value. In Q1 2025, the $100–$200 price segment saw a 21 percent increase in shipments, driven by demand for improved health and fitness functionalities. Conversely, the entry-level smartwatch segment, priced below $100, experienced a 17 percent decline in shipments, indicating a shift in consumer focus.
Looking ahead, the report projects a modest recovery for the global smartwatch market in 2025, with anticipated growth of around three percent. This growth is expected to be propelled by companies integrating advanced health sensors and artificial intelligence features into their products. Additionally, the potential for some smartwatches to receive medical-grade certifications may expand their applications beyond lifestyle and fitness, further driving market growth.
As consumer preferences evolve, the market is likely to gravitate towards more premium models that prioritize functionality, long-term value, and ecosystem integration, shaping the future landscape of the smartwatch industry.
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