- Xiaomi leads global wearable shipments with 19% share
- Apple falls to second place with 16% market share
What happened: Xiaomi surpasses Apple in wearables
In the first quarter of 2025, Xiaomi overtook Apple to become the leading global wearable band vendor, according to Canalys. Xiaomi shipped 8.7 million units, marking a 44% year-over-year increase and capturing a 19% market share. This surge is attributed to the successful launch of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and Redmi Band 5, which resonated well in emerging markets.
Apple, previously the market leader, shipped 7.6 million units, achieving a 5% annual growth and securing a 16% market share. Huawei maintained its third position with 7.1 million units shipped, reflecting a 36% year-over-year growth. Samsung experienced the highest growth among the top five, with a 74% increase, shipping 4.9 million units. Garmin rounded out the top five with 1.8 million units shipped, a 10% increase from the previous year.
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Why it’s important
Xiaomi’s ascent to the top of the global wearable market signifies a notable shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics. The company’s focus on affordable, feature-rich devices like the Smart Band 9 and Redmi Band 5 has appealed to a broad consumer base, particularly in emerging markets. This strategy has enabled Xiaomi to capture significant market share from established players like Apple.
Apple’s slight decline to second place, despite a 5% growth in shipments, suggests increasing competition and the need for innovation to maintain its market position. The overall market growth of 13% year-over-year, reaching 46.6 million units shipped, indicates a robust demand for wearable technology. As companies continue to innovate and cater to diverse consumer needs, the wearable market is poised for further evolution and competition.
