The global wrist-worn device market has witnessed a remarkable surge, with over 150 million units shipped during the first three quarters of 2025. This expansive category encompasses both smartwatches and fitness trackers, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the same period last year, according to a recent report by IDC. Notably, Huawei has maintained its lead in this competitive market for the past nine months, while Xiaomi emerged as the fastest-growing smartwatch manufacturer among the top five players.
Xiaomi was the Fastest-Growing Smartwatch Maker in the First Three Quarters of 2025
The demand for simple and affordable fitness trackers has surged, showcasing a substantial 21.3% year-over-year growth with 32.86 million units shipped in the designated period. Huawei’s strong performance can be attributed to its popular models, including the Watch GT 6 and Watch GT 6 Pro, which contributed to a total of 28.6 million units shipped globally, a significant portion (20.8 million) of which were sold within China. IDC indicates that Huawei is actively working to extend its reach beyond domestic borders.
Xiaomi has claimed the second position in global shipments, displaying impressive growth as it shipped 27.9 million units in 2025. Its success is largely driven by high demand for its affordable offerings, such as the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 and various Redmi watches. Furthermore, Xiaomi’s influence is not limited to China, as the brand has established a strong presence in Southeast Asia and South America, reflecting its expansive market strategy.
In the competitive landscape, Apple secured the third spot globally while ranking fourth in China. The tech giant has successfully stabilized its position within the mid-to-high-end market segment. Throughout 2025, Apple has emphasized key features such as 5G cellular connectivity and satellite messaging to enhance its smartwatch offerings.
Samsung Reversed Its Decline
Samsung has managed to turn its fortunes around, achieving the fourth spot in global shipments after experiencing a decline in the first half of the year. The launch of the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic in the third quarter played a pivotal role in reversing this trend, leading to an increase in cumulative shipments year-on-year.
Looking ahead, IDC forecasts that China’s wrist-worn device market could reach an impressive 79.58 million units by 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.1%. The anticipated growth is expected to be driven by advancements in connectivity, integration of AI applications, and sophisticated health-tracking features that are becoming increasingly prevalent in consumer demands.
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