Huawei has emerged as the world’s largest smartwatch and wrist-worn device manufacturer, according to the latest data released by International Data Corporation (IDC).
The global market for wrist-worn smart devices continued to expand during the first three quarters of the year, driven by strong demand for smartwatches and affordable fitness trackers.
Huawei Leads Global Market
IDC data shows that Huawei shipped 28.6 million wrist-worn devices, making it the leading vendor worldwide. The company’s latest releases, including the Huawei Watch GT 6 and Watch GT 6 Pro, played a major role in boosting shipments.
Out of the total shipments, 20.8 million units were delivered in China, underlining Huawei’s strong domestic dominance. IDC noted that Huawei is now focusing on expanding its footprint in international markets.
Global Shipments Continue to Rise
More than 150 million wrist-worn devices were shipped globally in the first nine months of the year, marking a 10 percent year-on-year increase.
Smartwatches accounted for nearly 120 million units, growing 7.3 percent compared to last year. Meanwhile, demand for basic fitness trackers surged 21.3 percent, reaching 32.86 million units, driven by affordability and growing health awareness.
Xiaomi Records Fastest Growth
Xiaomi ranked second globally with 27.9 million units shipped, posting the fastest growth among the top five manufacturers. Strong demand for devices such as the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 and Redmi Watch series supported its rise.
IDC said Xiaomi performed particularly well in China, Southeast Asia, and South America.
Apple Slips to Third Place
Apple secured the third position globally and ranked fourth in China. Unlike its competitors, Apple continues to focus on mid-range and premium devices rather than budget segments.
IDC said Apple’s strategy emphasized 5G connectivity and satellite messaging features, rather than chasing volume through lower-priced wearables.
Samsung Shows Signs of Recovery
Samsung ranked fourth worldwide. After a slow start earlier in the year, shipments improved following the launch of the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, helping the company return to growth in the third quarter.
IDC expects future market growth to be driven by AI integration, advanced health tracking, and improved connectivity features across all major brands.
