Apple Displaced As World’s Top Smartwatch Manufacturer — Samsung Isn't The One Replacing It
The IDC Worldwide Wearables Quarterly Tracker report said that the top five companies shipped 139 million units in the first three quarters of 2024 globally.
Huawei has dethroned Apple to secure the top spot in the global wrist-worn wearable shipment for the first three quarters of 2024, according to the latest report by market research firm International Data Corporation.
Apple came in second on the list followed by Xiaomi, Samsung and BBK. The launch of the Huawei GT 5 series and Watch D2 reportedly played a key role in establishing the Chinese tech giant’s dominance in the wearable smart device segment which has long been ruled by Apple's smartwatch.
New Launches Drive Huawei’s Growth
Huawei launched its new watches GT5 and GT5 Pro, as well as the second-generation blood pressure monitor WATCH D2 in the third quarter of 2024. During the first nine months of this year, the Chinese tech company sold more smartwatches than Apple or any other brand.
The IDC Worldwide Wearables Quarterly Tracker report said that the top five companies shipped 13.9 crore units in the first three quarters of 2024 globally, experiencing a decline of 1%. This was mainly due to the homogenisation of competition and market saturation in India and the United States, the report said.
However, the decline did not seem to affect Huawei the way it has affected other brands. The Chinese tech giant recorded a 44% year-on-year growth during this period, shipping over 2.36 crore units.
“Since the beginning of this year, Huawei has achieved continuous and stable growth in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa markets by strengthening its localisation strategy and building a global brand image,” the IDC report stated.
Apple Faces Competition
Apple faced competition from other global brands that stunted its growth. Despite the launch of the new Series 10 that temporarily brought it back to the top position in the third quarter, the company did not seem to keep up with the competition.
“With the fierce competition of smartwatches worldwide, Apple has been challenged by products from more price segments in the wrist-worn business,” as per the IDC report.
Data showed that Apple shipped 2.25 crore units over the first three quarters of 2024, experiencing a decline of 12.8% year-on-year.
