The global wearable industry witnessed a major shift in the second quarter of 2025 as Huawei smartwatch shipments surged past Apple for the first time in overall units sold. According to Counterpoint Research, Huawei recorded a remarkable 52% year-over-year growth in smartwatch shipments, capturing 21% of the global market share. This performance placed Huawei at the top of the smartwatch market in terms of shipment volume, signaling a new era in the competition for wearable dominance.
Huawei Smartwatch Shipments Hit Record Growth
Huawei’s performance in Q2 2025 has reshaped the smartwatch landscape. With a 52% increase compared to the same period last year, the brand not only expanded its market presence but also set a new benchmark for growth in the industry. Its 21% global market share highlights how Huawei smartwatch shipments have become a central driver of growth, largely fueled by rising demand in China, which contributed the most to global sales during the quarter.
The company’s ability to offer competitively priced devices with premium features such as advanced health monitoring, longer battery life, and AI-driven fitness tracking has given it a competitive edge over traditional market leaders like Apple and Samsung.
Chinese Brands Driving Global Smartwatch Growth
The second quarter of 2025 also showcased the rising dominance of Chinese wearable brands in the global market. Alongside Huawei, other companies including Xiaomi and Imoo recorded strong performances. Xiaomi’s smartwatch shipments grew by 38% year-over-year, while Imoo posted 21% growth. Together, these brands reinforced China’s pivotal role in driving global smartwatch recovery after the slowdown experienced in early 2024.
This surge underscores how Huawei smartwatch shipments and those of other Chinese brands are not only reshaping the global rankings but also influencing consumer preferences with affordable yet innovative options.
Apple and Samsung Face Declines
While Huawei celebrated record-breaking numbers, Apple and Samsung experienced slight setbacks. Both companies saw a 3% decline in global smartwatch shipments during Q2 2025. Despite this drop, Apple continues to maintain its dominance in the premium smartwatch segment, where higher-priced devices with advanced functionalities still attract loyal customers. Samsung, on the other hand, is expected to focus on diversifying its smartwatch lineup to stay competitive.
Even with their declines, Apple and Samsung remain major players in the industry. However, the rise of Huawei smartwatch shipments signals that the balance of power in the global wearable market is shifting, particularly as emerging markets and Asian consumers increasingly favor Chinese brands.
Smartwatch Market on Path to Recovery
The global smartwatch market as a whole showed signs of revival in Q2 2025. After facing a downturn in 2024, the industry grew by 8% year-over-year. Analysts forecast continued momentum, projecting a 7% overall growth for 2025. This recovery is being powered by increasing consumer demand for health-focused features, fitness tracking, and seamless integration with smartphones.
Much of the optimism surrounding the market’s future lies in Asia’s rising influence. With China being the largest contributor to global smartwatch shipments, brands like Huawei are expected to maintain their strong performance, while other Chinese companies are likely to benefit from similar demand trends.
Why Huawei is Leading the Smartwatch Revolution
Several factors explain why Huawei smartwatch shipments have surpassed those of Apple in terms of overall units:
- Affordable Pricing: Huawei has positioned its devices to appeal to a broad consumer base, offering advanced features at lower prices compared to Apple.
- Innovative Features: Long-lasting batteries, AI-powered fitness tracking, and advanced health sensors are central to Huawei’s appeal.
- Strong Domestic Market: China’s large consumer base and rising adoption of wearables have given Huawei a significant home-field advantage.
- Expanding Global Presence: Beyond China, Huawei continues to expand into emerging markets, where price-sensitive consumers prefer budget-friendly yet feature-rich devices.
Outlook for the Smartwatch Industry
Looking ahead, the competition among smartwatch manufacturers is expected to intensify. While Apple will continue to dominate the premium segment, and Samsung works on rebuilding its momentum, Huawei’s rise indicates that the industry is no longer defined by just a few established players.
With Huawei smartwatch shipments leading the way, the market is seeing increased diversity in product offerings and a focus on consumer needs in health, fitness, and connectivity. Counterpoint Research anticipates that demand from emerging markets will play a vital role in sustaining growth throughout 2025 and beyond.
The second quarter of 2025 marks a turning point in the global wearable market. Huawei smartwatch shipments not only overtook Apple for the first time in total units shipped but also redefined the competitive landscape. As Huawei, Xiaomi, and other Chinese brands continue to dominate shipment volumes, Apple and Samsung must adapt to changing market dynamics. With projected growth of 7% for the year, the smartwatch industry appears poised for a strong rebound, with Huawei leading the charge.
