Global Smartwatch Shipments Experience Modest Growth in 2025
NEW DELHI, India — According to a recent report disseminated on Wednesday, global shipments of smartwatches witnessed a 4 percent increase year-over-year in 2025, marking a significant recovery from the previous year’s downturn.
This resurgence can be attributed to renewed consumer demand, advancements in product features, and an intensified focus on health-centric functionalities.
Apple has achieved its first annual shipment growth since 2022, largely propelled by a comprehensive overhaul of its smartwatch offerings, as detailed by Counterpoint Research in its Global Smartwatch Shipments Tracker.
The market revitalization has been driven by a transformation in the competitive landscape. Major players have been actively introducing innovative hardware and software improvements, which, in turn, have enticed consumers towards more sophisticated devices.
Notably, China led the global resurgence, buoyed by robust demand for top domestic brands, the report indicated.
“Apple experienced year-on-year shipment growth for the first time since 2022,” remarked senior research analyst Anshika Jain. “This uptick was principally propelled by a thorough refresh of its lineup, including the Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 models.”
This revitalized array of products enables Apple to cater to a diverse consumer base, ranging from the budget-friendly Watch SE 3 to the high-end Watch Ultra 3.
Jain emphasized that significant technological enhancements were integrated, such as 5G RedCap support across the series, hypertension alerts, and satellite connectivity capabilities in the Watch Ultra 3.
“Consequently, consumers who had postponed purchases in anticipation of a considerably enhanced smartwatch finally found persuasive choices available,” she stated.
The smartwatch sector also experienced an upward trajectory in value during 2025, with average selling prices rising by 5 percent compared to the previous year.
An increasing awareness surrounding health and fitness has prompted consumers to gravitate towards higher-end, more accurate, and feature-laden devices, according to the report.
Associate Director David Naranjo noted that shipments of smartwatches featuring cellular connectivity surged by 6 percent year-over-year.
This growth was bolstered by advanced health monitoring and emergency SOS features that have garnered interest from mainstream consumers.
Apple played a pivotal role in this trend with its revamped lineup, while other brands expanded their cellular offerings to meet burgeoning demand.
For instance, Xiaomi strengthened its portfolio with new models, including the Redmi Watch 5 LTE and the Redmi Kids Watch.
“Apple’s rollout of 5G support in its Watch Series 11 is anticipated to foster industry-wide uptake of 5G connectivity,” Naranjo explained.
“By 2025, connectivity extends beyond cellular technology, with satellite connectivity also becoming a crucial focus as smartwatches evolve into more autonomous devices.”
Source link: Indusbusinessjournal.com.
