The global smartwatch market as a whole took a dip in Q4 2024, but Samsung’s Wear OS-based Galaxy Watch series continues to grow even as the Apple Watch falls and Xiaomi also sees explosive growth.
Counterpoint Research found that the global smartwatch market in Q4 2024 shrunk, with overall shipments dropping 7% year-over-year. That’s notable not only because it was the holiday season, a very popular time for wearables, but also because it’s the first time this has ever happened.
The drop is mostly attributed to the Apple Watch failing to ship as many units, as other brands experienced nothing but growth. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra, and Watch FE helped deliver 3% YoY growth.
Xiaomi, meanwhile, rapidly grew into a top five position with 135% YoY growth in smartwatch shipments. Xiaomi also more broadly adopted Wear OS last year.
Outside of Apple, Huawei holds the number two spot in the global market, with 35% YoY growth and an overall 13% stake. That’s largely thanks to China being a rapidly growing market for smartwatches.
More on Wear OS:
- Everything new in Wear OS 5.1 on the Pixel Watch
- OnePlus Watch 2 won’t get a Wear OS 5 update for months
- Honor Watch 5 Ultra is a beautiful timepiece that should be running Wear OS
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