When discussing wearables, many people immediately think of Apple, predominantly due to the pervasive presence of the Apple Watch. This device has indeed become a staple in the market; however, interestingly, Apple ranks third in global market share. The top spot is held by Huawei, surprising many.

Recent data from IDC China highlights Huawei’s strong performance in the wearable sector. In the first quarter of 2025, the company shipped an impressive 10 million units, showcasing a growth rate of 42.4% compared to the same period last year. Huawei’s wearables now dominate 21.9% of the global market, a significant increase from 17% the previous year.

So, who occupies the second position if Apple isn’t in that slot? It’s Xiaomi. With 8.7 million units shipped during the same quarter, Xiaomi claims 19% of the market, up from 14.7% last year.

Apple follows in third place, having shipped 7 million units and now holding 15.5% of the market share, an increase from 12.5% previously. In fourth and fifth positions are Samsung and Garmin, with shares of 7.5% and 4.7%, respectively. While the Apple Watch remains one of the most recognized wearables, its appeal is somewhat limited.

It requires an iPhone for full functionality, excluding many potential users. Furthermore, despite the introduction of the more affordable Apple Watch SE, Apple’s offerings are still viewed as premium products. In contrast, brands like Huawei and Xiaomi provide various budget-friendly options.

For instance, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is priced at €39.99, featuring essential health and fitness tracking capabilities. Similarly, the Huawei Band series, priced around $50, caters to users who do not own an iPhone and prefer simpler, economical devices.