Unexpected Company Tops Apple As No 1 Smartwatch Brand

Apple’s smartwatches have long been regarded as the gold standard in wearable devices. While the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem is frequently praised, Apple’s advancements in health technology and innovation are equally commendable.

Given this background, it’s quite remarkable to see how Huawei, a company facing various sanctions and with a much smaller foothold in Western markets, has managed to surpass Apple and claim the title of the world’s leading brand in wrist-worn devices.

Remarkably, this marks the second consecutive occasion this year where Huawei has outperformed Apple, according to recent quarterly market analysis from IDC.

According to the latest Worldwide Wearables Quarterly Tracker report from IDC, Huawei shipped more wearable devices than Apple, achieving a market share of 16.9% (23.6 million units) compared to Apple’s 16.2% (22.5 million units) during the first three quarters of 2024.

Looking at year-over-year growth, Huawei’s market position has surged by an impressive 44.3%, while Apple has seen a decline of 12.8% in the global landscape. Other major brands, including Samsung and Xiaomi, have also shown growth in the wearables segment.

Huawei’s rise in the wearable market can largely be attributed to China, which has become the largest market for such devices globally. In fact, according to IDC’s tracker, Huawei took the lead over Apple in the second quarter, capturing one-fifth of the global market while Apple held just 13%.

A Dark Horse of Wearable Innovation

While Apple continues to dominate the smartwatch sector, it’s interesting to note that IDC’s report combines data from both fitness trackers and smartwatches. Huawei is also competing fiercely in smartwatch innovation, leading in various categories.

Take, for instance, the Huawei Watch D2, which features Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring. Unlike devices that use light sensors to gauge blood flow and require calibration—like the Samsung Galaxy Watch—Huawei’s TruSense technology includes a high-precision pressure sensor, a mini pump, and an inflatable airbag integrated into the strap.

This smartwatch allows users to monitor their blood pressure at any time, including during activities like sleeping or walking. Additionally, users can customize it for regular readings and set up a 24-hour auto-monitoring plan that tracks average systolic and diastolic blood pressure along with heart rate data.

In a surprising turn, Huawei’s website states that this feature can be “used as a reference in clinical practice.” The company has a diverse portfolio of wearables, offering various styles and functionalities across different price points—essentially catering to a wider audience.

Huawei’s health tracking capabilities are impressive, often surpassing those of Samsung and Apple, especially in terms of stylish options for female users. However, it’s possible that market dynamics could shift back in Apple’s favor as the holiday shopping season approaches, so we’ll wait for those figures in the coming weeks.