### Summary
– The global wrist-worn device market is experiencing significant growth, with shipments increasing by 10% year-on-year in 2025.
– Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple lead the market, demonstrating strong sales and innovative product launches.
– The future of the wrist-worn device sector appears promising, particularly in China, with anticipated growth in various segments.
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### The Expanding Global Wrist-Worn Device Market
The “Global Wearable Devices Market Quarterly Tracking Report” from International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals that **the global wrist-worn device market shipped 150 million units** in the first three quarters of 2025, marking a robust **10% year-on-year increase**. Within this expanding market, the Chinese sector demonstrated even more remarkable growth, with **58.43 million units shipped**, reflecting a **27.6% increase** compared to the previous year.
The wrist-worn device category encompasses both smartwatches and fitness bracelets, contributing to their rising popularity among consumers worldwide.
### Market Breakdown: Smartwatches vs. Bracelets
– **Smartwatches**: Global shipments reached **120 million units**, reflecting a **7.3% increase** year-on-year. In China, smartwatch sales amounted to **40.04 million units**, a noteworthy **21.8% growth**.
– **Fitness Bracelets**: The global market for fitness bracelets saw **32.86 million units** shipped, representing a stellar **21.3% increase**. China’s bracelet market was particularly strong, with **18.39 million units** shipped, marking a remarkable **42.5% growth**.
### Leading Brands in the Wrist-Worn Device Market
#### 1. Huawei
Huawei topped the rankings in the wrist-worn device market for the first three quarters of 2025. Its success is largely attributed to the **Watch GT 6 series**, which features significant upgrades including the **Hongmeng 6.0 operating system** and advanced Kirin chip technology. Enhanced battery life and brighter displays, combined with improved features for health and sports monitoring, have put Huawei at the forefront. The brand is also accelerating its international outreach, utilizing localized strategies for growth.
#### 2. Xiaomi
Xiaomi emerged as the **fastest-growing brand** among the top five manufacturers, shipping **27.9 million units** during the same period. This growth can be credited to their strategic focus on the entry-level market with products like the **Mi Band 10** and **Redmi Watch series**, which provide exceptional value. Growth was particularly notable in regions including China, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, supported by a blend of online and offline marketing strategies.
#### 3. Apple
Apple reinforced its leading position in the mid-to-high-end segment by launching the **Apple Watch S11, SE3, and Ultra 3**, all of which are equipped with **5G functionality**. To maintain its competitive edge, Apple implemented aggressive pricing and trade-in strategies, fostering sales despite a challenging market landscape characterized by falling prices and increased competition.
#### 4. Samsung
In the third quarter of 2025, Samsung launched three new smartwatch models: **Galaxy Watch 8, 8 Classic, and Ultra 2025**. These products aim to fulfill various consumer preferences and helped to counteract previous shipment declines. The introduction of these new devices contributed to overall year-on-year growth in the wrist-worn segment.
#### 5. BBK
BBK made its mark by securing a position among the top five global brands in wrist-worn devices, particularly standing out in China’s children’s watch market with its **Little Genius brand**. The company is now seeking to expand its presence in international markets by leveraging the potential of children’s watches in Southeast Asia and Europe.
### Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2026
According to IDC, the outlook for the wristwear market in China appears promising, with **expected shipments of 79.58 million units in 2026**, reflecting a **5.1% year-on-year increase**. This projection includes anticipated growth across various segments:
– **Adult smartwatches**: 37.47 million units (up 8.2%)
– **Children’s watches**: 17.91 million units (up 5.4%)
– **Fitness bracelets**: 24.21 million units (up 0.4%)
The wrist-worn device sector’s resilience and adaptability position it for sustained growth, indicating a bright future for both manufacturers and consumers alike. The increasing emphasis on health monitoring, fitness tracking, and technological integration features strongly in this growth narrative.
### Conclusion
The wrist-worn device market is not just thriving; it is reshaping the future of personal technology. Brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple are setting the pace, showcasing the dynamic nature of this evolving landscape. As consumer demand continues to drive innovation, the potential for growth remains boundless.
