NEW DELHI, India — Global smartwatch shipments grew 4 percent year on year in 2025, rebounding from a decline in 2024, as renewed demand, product upgrades, and a stronger focus on health features lifted the market, according to a new report released on Wednesday.
Apple recorded its first annual shipment growth since 2022, driven by a comprehensive refresh of its smartwatch portfolio, Counterpoint Research said in its Global Smartwatch Shipments Tracker.
The recovery was fueled by a shift in the competitive landscape, with major players rolling out hardware and software upgrades, consumers gravitating toward more advanced devices, and the industry placing greater emphasis on health-related functionality. China led the global rebound, supported by strong demand for leading domestic brands, the report said.
“Apple witnessed its first year-on-year shipment growth since 2022,” said senior research analyst Anshika Jain. “This growth was driven by a complete refresh of its portfolio with the introduction of the Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3.”
The refreshed lineup allowed Apple to cater to a broad range of consumers, from the more affordable Watch SE 3 to the ultra-premium Watch Ultra 3. Jain said the portfolio also received major technology upgrades, including 5G RedCap support across the series, hypertension notifications, and satellite connectivity in the Watch Ultra 3.
“As a result, consumers who had been delaying their purchases in anticipation of a substantially improved smartwatch finally had compelling options available,” she said.
The smartwatch market also continued to move up the value chain in 2025, with average selling prices rising 5 percent from a year earlier. Growing awareness around health and fitness has pushed consumers toward higher-priced, more accurate, and feature-rich devices, the report noted.
Associate Director David Naranjo said shipments of smartwatches with cellular connectivity rose 6 percent year on year, supported by advanced health monitoring and emergency SOS features that are increasingly appealing to mainstream users.
Apple played a key role in this trend with its refreshed lineup, while other brands expanded their cellular offerings to capture demand. Xiaomi, for instance, strengthened its portfolio with models such as the Redmi Watch 5 LTE and the Redmi Kids Watch.
“Apple’s introduction of 5G support in its Watch Series 11 is expected to accelerate industry-wide adoption of 5G connectivity,” Naranjo said. “In 2025, connectivity is no longer limited to cellular technology alone, with satellite connectivity also emerging as a key focus as smartwatches evolve into more standalone devices.” (Source: IANS)
