According to a recent report from Canalys, the global wearables market experienced notable growth in the first quarter of 2025, shipping a total of 46.6 million devices from January to March. This marks a 13% increase compared to the same period last year, further emphasizing the rising popularity of wearable technology.
Xiaomi emerged as the leading vendor in this market with impressive shipments of 8.7 million devices, capturing a significant 19% market share. The company's success can be attributed to a robust 44% annual growth rate in shipments, driven by updates to its Smart Band and Watch series, as well as the introduction of affordable products like the Redmi Band 5, which became a top-seller during the quarter.
In second place, Apple managed to ship an estimated 7.6 million wearables, securing a 16% market share. Huawei followed closely in third with 7.1 million shipments and a 15% market share, benefiting from robust customer demand for its Watch GT and Watch Fit series.
Global Wearable Brand Shipments Q1 2025
Samsung ranked fourth with 4.9 million wearable shipments and an 11% market share, thanks to solid growth in emerging markets. Rounding out the top five, Garmin shipped 1.8 million devices, achieving a 4% market share.
A consumer study conducted by Canalys in Europe revealed that price and battery life are the foremost considerations for users when purchasing a smartwatch. Health-tracking capabilities, brand reputation, and design also influenced buyers, while sport features were deemed less significant.
Looking ahead, Canalys forecasts that the competition within the wearables market will increasingly focus on ecosystem integration and post-purchase services. Additionally, subscription-based models are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing user engagement and boosting brand revenues moving forward.
