Apple remains the global leader in the smartwatch market alongside Huawei which made a comeback in the Chinese market in Q1 2026. This is stated by Counterpoint in its latest report which also stated that global shipments increased by 4% year-on-year (YoY) in the quarter.
This development shows that the smartwatch market is once again showing positive momentum, as a result of the continued global acceptance of Apple products and the increasingly vibrant recovery of the Chinese market. The report also emphasized that the growth is aided by technological innovation and effective regional strategies.
The report highlights also show that Apple recorded a 21% year-on-year shipment growth, the highest among major brands with a global market share of 23%. Meanwhile, Huawei accounted for almost 40% of the market in China driven by a strong product ecosystem, government subsidies and a focus on health features. Huawei also recorded a 12% increase over the previous year with a 17% market share in the first quarter of 2026.
In addition, Xiaomi recorded a 9% growth over the previous year with a 10% share in the first quarter of 2026 while Imoo increased by 2% over the previous year with a 7% share in the same quarter. On the other hand, Samsung experienced a significant decrease of -28%, thus showing a major challenge in maintaining its position in the smartwatch market.
The average selling price or ASP (Average Selling Price) is said to have increased by 6% as consumers now prefer models with premium features. This increase occurred due to the integration of more sophisticated sensors, AI technology, and high demand for premium devices. After a decline in 2024, the market has recovered and new innovations such as satellite support and advanced health monitoring functions are the main drivers of the current growth.
