An Unexpected Company Outsmarts Apple and Becomes the Number One Smartwatch Brand.
Despite the sanctions it has faced and its limited presence in the U.S. market, Huawei has managed to surpass Apple and become the world's leading brand of wearable devices for the wrist.
Apple has long been regarded as the leader in wearable devices, especially in the realm of smartwatches. Its ecosystem, which focuses on the convenience of the Apple Watch, along with its innovations in health and technical capabilities, has granted it a privileged position. However, it is surprising that Huawei, a sanctioned company with a much more limited presence in the Western market, has managed to surpass Apple and become the largest wearable brand in the world.
According to recent market data, Huawei has overtaken Apple for the second time this year, according to IDC's quarterly wearables report. In the first three quarters of 2024, Huawei shipped more devices than Apple, achieving a market share of 16.9% (23.6 million units) compared to Apple’s 16.2% (22.5 million units) globally. Compared to the previous year, Huawei's market position has grown an impressive 44.3%, while Apple has experienced a decline of 12.8%.
Moreover, other major brands like Samsung and Xiaomi have also reported growth. Huawei's rise can be attributed to the fact that China has solidified itself as the world's largest wearable market, where Huawei has a strong presence. According to the IDC report, Huawei led the global market in the second quarter, capturing one-fifth of the total, while Apple accounted for 13%.
Although Apple continues to dominate the smartwatch segment, it is worth noting that Huawei is also innovating in this area. One example is the Huawei Watch D2, which incorporates a blood pressure monitoring system that requires no calibration and uses a high-precision pressure sensor. This device allows users to measure blood pressure at any time of day and during various activities, in addition to offering customizable health tracking functionalities.
Huawei's wearable portfolio is extensive, with different aesthetic styles and price levels, making it accessible for everyone. Its health monitoring and fitness tracking capabilities are on par with those offered by competitors like Samsung and Apple, while also standing out in the female market with more appealing designs.
Although market dynamics may shift in favor of Apple during the holiday season, it will be interesting to observe the upcoming sales data that will reflect this competition.
