While Apple’s connected watches seem to monopolize all the attention of the industry, their sales have run out of steam in 2024, to the great pleasure of Huawei which becomes No. 1 in the sector.
After smartphones, it is the turn of watches and other connected bracelets to enter the trough of the wave. According to the latest figures published by IDCthe sales volume of digital tocantes fell by 1% over the first three quarters of 2024. A slight decline which allows Huawei to become the world’s leading manufacturer in terms of wearables.
As noted Android Authoritythe apple indeed had a dismal year in 2024 in this segment with sales down 12% compared to the same period in 2023. The company sold, worldwide, “only” 22.5 million devices over the year where Huawei reached 23.6 million units sold. Obviously, connected watches are included in these figures, but also sports bracelets, such as the Huawei Band 3 Pro.
China, driving force of the sector
This spectacular breakthrough by Huawei is partly explained by the fact that it is China as a whole that is driving the connected accessories market. Where the world is seeing the market contract, locally, China is showing insolent growth with 20% more sales than in 2023. In the connected watch segment alone, the country is showing sales volumes growing by 23%. and on connected bracelets by almost 13%.
No wonder, given this configuration, that Huawei has overtaken Apple in the ranking of brands that sell the most connected watches and bracelets. The Chinese population tends to favor local brands, which explains why Xiaomi is also lying in wait just behind Apple with 20.5 million devices sold. If the growth dynamics remain as they are (with 44.3% increase for Huawei and 26.5% for Xiaomi), it is a safe bet that Apple will be hot in the coming months.
Apple must innovate
It is interesting to note that, if we only look at the connected watch segment (excluding sports bracelets), Apple is still No. 1 in the category. As IDC notes however “the brand must present more innovative models to continue to dominate the sector. »
To go further
What are the best connected watches in 2024?
After an Apple Watch 10 which did not present any major new features compared to previous models, the company will therefore have to change its routine a little to remain competitive.
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