In a significant shift, China has emerged as the largest market for wrist-worn devices, leading global growth with a remarkable 20.1% year-over-year increase in shipments in the first three quarters of 2024, according to the latest information released by the International Data Corporation.

The worldwide wrist-worn device market, on the other hand, shipped 139 million units in the same period, a slight decline of 1% YoY, mainly due to market saturation in India and the United States.

This development has put the spotlight on the top vendors driving this trend.

First up is Huawei, which has been making waves with the Huawei Watch GT 5 and Watch GT 5 Pro smartwatches, along with the second-generation blood-pressure monitor Huawei Watch D2. These devices feature the technology giant’s TruSense System, enhancing the convenience and accuracy of health monitoring. Huawei’s strategy of strengthening its localization and building a global brand image has paid off, resulting in continuous and stable growth in regions like the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.

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Apple, despite the launch of its new Series 10 smartwatch, faces fierce competition. While it temporarily reclaimed the top spot in the wrist-worn market in the third quarter, the American company needs to introduce more innovative designs to maintain its lead in the industry, IDC says.

Xiaomi has also been making significant strides with the launch of the Xiaomi Band 9, which received a positive market response. The upgrades in screen brightness, battery capacity, and sports health functions have boosted Xiaomi’s overall shipments. Additionally, the Xiaomi Watch S series continues to target the mid-to-high-end market, further solidifying the brand’s presence.

Samsung‘s seventh-generation products have driven its growth this year, with the new Galaxy Watch Ultra filling the gap in the high-end smartwatch market. The Galaxy Watch FE version has increased shipments, becoming the entry-level product in its smartwatch lineup. Combined with the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 wristband, the South Korean manufacturer has effectively covered the entire wrist-worn market, offering more choices to consumers.

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Lastly, BBK Electronics has been dominating the kids’ watch market in China and is actively expanding into overseas emerging markets. Through its overseas brand IMOO, BBK is strengthening channel cooperation and expansion in various countries and regions.

As the wrist-worn device category continues to evolve, these top vendors are leading the charge with innovative products and strategies. With China’s market expected to grow further, IDC says it’s an exciting time for the industry. You can read more about the market-research firm’s report here.

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