Xiaomi Overtakes Apple as Top Wearables Brand in Q1 2025
Xiaomi has reclaimed its position as the leading vendor in the wearable band market for the first quarter of 2025, according to a recent report by Canalys. The Beijing-based technology giant achieved this milestone by launching refreshed versions of its Mi Band and Redmi Watch models, resulting in a remarkable 44 percent increase in shipments compared to the previous year. Apple follows in second place, while Huawei, Samsung, and Garmin round out the top five vendors in the global market. A new study highlights that consumers prioritize affordability, long battery life, and health tracking features when selecting a smartwatch.
Xiaomi’s Impressive Growth in Wearable Shipments
The Canalys Wearable Band Analysis report indicates that global shipments of wearable bands reached 46.6 million units in Q1 2025, reflecting a 13 percent year-on-year growth. Xiaomi led the market with the highest number of shipments, totaling 8.7 million units. This surge can be attributed to the successful launch of two new models: the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and the Redmi Band 5, the latter being the company’s best-selling wearable device.
Apple and Huawei secured the second and third positions, respectively, with Apple holding a 16 percent market share. Canalys anticipates that Apple’s share will increase in the latter half of 2025, coinciding with the expected launch of its 10th anniversary smartwatch. Huawei also experienced significant growth, with shipments rising 36 percent year-on-year to 7.1 million units, driven by the strong performance of its Fit and GT wearable devices.
Samsung saw a remarkable 74 percent increase in shipments, reaching 4.9 million units in Q1 2025. The company has strategically focused on offering both affordable devices, such as the Galaxy Fit, and premium models like the Galaxy Watch, catering to both emerging and affluent markets. Garmin, while in fifth place, managed to increase its shipments by 10 percent year-on-year, totaling 1.8 million units, as it encouraged existing users to upgrade to newer models within its diverse product portfolio.
Shifting Trends in the Wearable Market
The wearable market is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from a hardware-centric approach to one that emphasizes ecosystem development. Cynthia Chen, Research Manager at Canalys, noted that with hardware profitability facing challenges, vendors are increasingly focusing on enhancing their platforms and services. This shift aims to boost recurring revenue and improve user retention, ensuring that companies remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
As companies adapt to these changes, the emphasis on creating comprehensive ecosystems around their wearable devices is becoming crucial. This approach not only enhances the user experience but also fosters brand loyalty, as consumers are more likely to remain engaged with a brand that offers a cohesive suite of products and services.
Consumer Preferences in Smartwatch Features
A recent survey conducted by Canalys sheds light on consumer preferences when it comes to purchasing smartwatches. Out of 18,185 respondents, a significant number expressed concerns about the pricing of wearable devices. Affordability emerged as a top priority for potential buyers. Additionally, 14,691 participants indicated that battery life is a critical factor in their decision-making process.
Health tracking capabilities ranked as the third most important feature for consumers, highlighting the growing awareness and demand for fitness and health monitoring functionalities in wearable technology. As manufacturers continue to innovate and refine their products, understanding these consumer preferences will be essential for success in the competitive wearable market.
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