Apple Watch loses heat as international watch shipping dropped in 2024

For the first time ever, world watch shipping declined in 2024, with Apple experiencing its sharpest decline however. &# 13, According to a recent report by Counterpoint Research, the worldwide smartwatch market fell by 7 % in 2024, marking the market’s first-ever annual decline. Apple maintained its top market share place, but saw a substantial 19 % year-over-year fall in shipping. &# 13, Apple’s package struggles were somewhat pronounced in North America, driven by the lack of expected models like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and limited new attributes in the existing Apple Watch Series 10. &# 13, Experts attribute Apple’s slide slide to tougher competition, minimal enhancements in Apple’s S10 lineup, and patent issues affecting the first half of the year. These patent problems include legal battles with health tech companies AliveCor and Massimo. &# 13, AliveCor accused Apple of infringing on its electrocardiogram (ECG) technology inventions, first securing a suitable decision from the International Trade Commission that recommended an trade restrictions. &# 13, Apple’s win at the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office led to the departure of the case. However, a separate debate with Masimo resulted in an import restrictions on Apple Watches containing certain ECG capabilities. &# 13, Also, weak effectiveness from the Apple Watch SE portfolio, along with no changes to these entry-level designs, contributed to weaker customer interest. While Apple faltered, Samsung and Xiaomi gained earth. &# 13, Global market share for devices. Image credit: Opposition ResearchSamsung recorded a modest 3 % increase in shipping, spurred by new models like the Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Watch FE line. Xiaomi surged into the top five companies worldwide for the first time, driven by the reputation of its Watch S1 and Redmi Watch line. &# 13, Image funds: Opposition ResearchChina overtook North America and India to become the leading watch business internationally, propelled by local companies such as Huawei, Xiaomi, and Imoo. China’s surge was bolstered by a diverse collection that appealed to different customer segments, including son’s smartwatches. &# 13, Moving forward, Counterpoint predicts a slow recovery for the smartwatch market, forecasting modest single-digit growth in 2025. Potential watch designs, for both Android and iOS, are expected to have advanced AI capabilities and improved wellbeing sensors. &# 13, These sensing address problems like atrial fibrillation, sleep disruption, hypertension, and insulin. Brands will probably rely on regulatory approvals for superior wellness features to refresh consumer interest and drive market recovery. 

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