Smartwatch shipments grew steadily in Q1 2026 with Apple still leading the pack

Smartwatch Market Sees Solid Q1 2026 Growth, Apple Remains Dominant

The global smartwatch market is on an upward trajectory, with a 4% year-over-year increase reported for the first quarter of 2026. This growth signals a continued recovery for the smart wearable sector, following a more challenging period in 2024 and a steady rebound throughout 2025. Analysts point to Apple's latest wearable innovations as a key driver, alongside a growing consumer preference for premium smartwatch models.

China has emerged as a significant contributor to this expansion, with its domestic smartwatch market experiencing a robust 15% year-over-year shipment growth. Leading the charge in China is Huawei, which commands an impressive 40% share of the local market. Following closely behind are Imoo and Xiaomi, further bolstering the region's contribution to global sales figures.

Geographically, North America plays a pivotal role in Apple's success, accounting for over half of its total smartwatch shipments. This strong performance has solidified Apple's position at the top, capturing a 23% global market share – a notable 21% increase compared to Q1 2025. Following Apple, Huawei secures the second position, demonstrating a healthy 12% rise in sales. Xiaomi and Imoo also feature prominently in the top rankings. In contrast, Samsung experienced a considerable 28% decline in smartwatch shipments during the same period.

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