Huawei Overtakes Apple in Smartwatch Shipments

For the first time, Huawei has overtaken Apple in global smartwatch shipments. That’s according to Counterpoint Research. Honestly, it’s a bit surprising, though maybe not entirely. The wearable market has been shifting for a while, and this confirms it. In Q2 2025, global smartwatch shipments rose 8% from last year. That ended a decline that lasted five quarters. Huawei’s shipments jumped 52%, mostly thanks to strong demand in China. The company sells watches from $100 to $400. They also pair well with Huawei phones and other devices. You might notice that makes them easier to use and more appealing than before.

“Domestic traction, portfolio diversity, and ecosystem strength have been the key drivers for Huawei,” said analyst Anshika Jain.

Over 75% of Huawei’s sales came from China. Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific contributed too. The combination of lower prices, solid design, and usability seems to resonate with consumers. It’s not flashy, but it works.

Apple’s shipments fell 3% in the same quarter. That’s the seventh straight decline. Apple still dominates the high-end smartwatch segment. Its health tracking is accurate, and iPhone users are loyal.

Still, competition is rising fast. Other brands are expanding quickly, especially in mid-range watches. Apple’s dominance might feel less secure than before. Some might argue the premium segment will keep Apple safe, but that’s not guaranteed.

Xiaomi shipments rose 38% with budget-friendly models. Imoo, which makes kids’ smartwatches, grew 21% and kept its lead. Samsung slipped 3%. Its Galaxy Watch 7 did not perform as well as expected.

Analysts predict global smartwatch shipments will rise 3% in 2025. China’s demand for watches that track fitness, handle payments, and provide navigation drives growth. Multifunction devices are becoming standard, it seems.

The smartwatch market is changing fast. Huawei and other Chinese brands are gaining ground. They offer more choice and easier usability.

Apple still leads premium buyers. But the market is crowded. Features, price, and convenience now matter as much as brand reputation. Huawei shows that a broad product line and simple-to-use devices can make a real difference.

For consumers, this means more options and better value. For Apple, it means more competition and the need to keep improving. The market may look very different by the end of 2025—perhaps in ways we don’t fully see yet.