IDC: Global Wrist-Worn Device Shipments Grew 10.5% in Q1 2025

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According to the latest data from the Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker, released by International Data Corporation (IDC), the global wrist-worn device market shipped 45.6 million units in the first quarter of 2025, a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 10.5%. Growth was driven in part by a strong recovery in key regions such as Western Europe, the United States, Latin America, and the Asia/Pacific (excluding India). In China, government subsidies significantly boosted demand, leading to 17.6 million units shipped, a 37.6% annual increase.

The wrist-worn device market includes smartwatches and wristbands. The global smartwatch market shipped 34.8 million units in Q1 2025, a 4.8% YoY increase. In China, smartwatch shipments grew 25.3% to 11.4 million units. Wristband shipments rose more sharply, up 34.0% globally (10.8 million units), and a remarkable 67.9% in China (6.2 million units).

Global wrist-worn market performance in Q1 2025:

Huawei

Huawei rose to the top of the global wrist-worn market in Q1 2025, while maintaining leadership in China. Huawei benefited from growing ecosystem synergy around HarmonyOS and strong cross-device integration. In the first quarter of this year, Huawei's new wristband Band 10 was launched and shipped globally, further driving the overall shipment scale of Huawei's wrist-worn products. The new FIT series smartwatches and the upcoming upgraded WATCH series will also further promote its move to the mid-to-high-end market.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi recorded the fastest shipment growth among the top five in China and posted strong global gains. In addition, Latin America and Asia/Pacific also showed a significant increase. Entry-level wristbands and Redmi smartwatches, supported by Xiaomi’s smartphone and IoT ecosystem, drove volume, while the mid-range S series saw solid traction under the group’s premiumization strategy.

Apple

Apple posted its highest year-over-year growth in wrist-worn shipments since 2023. U.S. retailers increased inventory ahead of potential tariffs, while other regions accelerated shipments to offset supply chain concerns. In China, national subsidies and price competitiveness spurred Apple Watch sales, leading to significant market gains.

Samsung

Samsung saw a modest year-over-year decline in Q1 shipments. The company faced pressure from Chinese competitors offering better value in overseas markets and from Apple, Huawei, and Garmin in the mid-to-premium segment.

Garmin

Garmin returned to the global top five with robust growth, aided by strategic expansion into lower price points—such as more accessible Forerunner models—and a dual-generation approach for its Fenix series. This enabled stronger differentiation and broader appeal in the sports and outdoor smartwatch segments.

China’s adult smartwatch shipments surged 52.9% year-over-year in Q1 2025, reaching 7.7 million units. Wristbands saw an even steeper rise, up 67.9% to 6.2 million units. According to IDC, April shipments rose 52.7% annually, smartwatches and wristbands increased by 52.3% and 53.1%, respectively. Government subsidies played a pivotal role in boosting early-year demand ahead of the “618” mid-year shopping festival.

In April, China launched the “Healthy Weight Management Action” as part of the national health strategy, initiating a three-year campaign (2025–2027) to reduce obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. This policy supports the expansion of wrist-worn devices, especially in health functions such as blood pressure and glucose monitoring.

The national subsidy policy, combined with the "Healthy Weight Management Action" background, will drive the Chinese wrist-worn market to maintain growth. IDC predicts that the shipment volume of the Chinese adult wrist-worn market in 2025 will reach 58.5 million units, a year-on-year increase of 36.9%, and the compound annual growth rate over the next five years will reach 8.5%.

“Government subsidies at the beginning of the year significantly boosted wrist-worn device adoption,” said Sophie Pan, research director, IDC China. “Wearable brands are responding by expanding their product portfolios around health and fitness use cases, with wider coverage across price points, usage scenarios, and target audiences to meet evolving consumer needs,” adds Pan.