Huawei Overtakes Apple as Top Smartwatch Maker for First Time
Huawei has unseated Apple become the world’s largest smartwatch vendor for the first time, a milestone driven by soaring demand in its home market of China and a strategic international push.
The Chinese technology giant captured a 21% share of global smartwatch shipments in the second quarter of 2025, propelled by a 52% year-on-year surge in sales, the highest growth rate among the top ten brands, according to a report from Counterpoint Research.
Huawei’s success was “driven by its diverse product portfolio, robust domestic momentum, and competitive pricing across mid-to-premium tiers,” said Anshika Jain, a senior research analyst at Counterpoint, who noted the company has now claimed global shipment leadership.
The shift pushed Apple into second place with a 17% market share, as its shipments declined by 3% from the same period last year. The development signals intensifying competition in the global wearables market, where brand loyalty and ecosystem strength are facing challenges from aggressive pricing and feature diversification.
China Momentum and Global Expansion
Huawei’s ascent was primarily fueled by its commanding performance in China, where the bulk of its shipments are concentrated. The company has found a sweet spot with devices priced between 100and100and400, appealing to a broad segment of mid-to-premium consumers.
According to the research, Huawei is now strategically expanding its presence in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region to grow its international user base. The report also credited the company’s innovative watch designs and high-end software capabilities for its record shipment share during the quarter.
Shifting Competitive Field
While Apple lost its top position overall, it continues to lead the high-margin “advanced smartwatch segment,” benefiting from the enduring strength of its integrated iOS ecosystem.
The market reshuffle also saw strong growth from other rivals. Xiaomi secured the third spot with a notable 38% year-on-year increase in shipments. Imoo, a brand specializing in children's wearables, also recorded substantial growth. In contrast, Samsung Electronics Co. saw its shipments fall by 3%, ranking it fifth globally. However, Counterpoint analysts expect the South Korean giant to potentially rebound in the third quarter of 2025.