Huawei Smartwatch Shipments: Huawei surpasses Apple in Q2 2025 smartwatch shipments with 21% share and 52% growth, marking Apple first loss of the top spot. The market is rebounding and is expected to grow 7% in 2025.
Huawei has pulled off a surprise in the tech world, shipping more smartwatches than Apple for the very first time. In Q2 2025, the brand climbed to the top of the global rankings, ending Apple long streak at No. 1. The unexpected shift highlights just how fast Huawei’s momentum is growing and how the balance of power in wearables is starting to change.
Smartwatch Market Bounces Back
The milestone comes as the global smartwatch market finally returned to growth after a difficult stretch. Counterpoint Research reports that shipments rose 8 percent year-over-year in Q2 2025, ending five straight quarters of decline. Consumers who had been holding off on upgrades appear to be returning, and demand is showing signs of life again.
Within this rebound, Huawei stood out. The brand shipments surged 52 percent compared to last year, the fastest growth among leading players. That leap pushed its global market share to 21 percent, placing it ahead of Apple’s 17–18 percent.
The report also noted that the smartwatch market is expected to continue its recovery in 2025 and could grow by about 7 percent for the full year if current momentum holds.
Why Huawei is Winning
So what gave Huawei the edge? Analysts point to a few clear drivers.
The company dominance in China has been critical. More than three-quarters of its smartwatch shipments came from its home market, where Huawei enjoys strong brand loyalty and deep ties across phones, wearables, and IoT devices. At the same time, Huawei has steadily expanded into regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, turning domestic momentum into a global lead.
Huawei broad lineup has helped it win across price tiers. Most of its models are priced between $100 and $400, striking a balance between affordability and advanced features. That positioning resonates strongly with buyers looking for reliable health tracking, long battery life, and practical everyday tools like navigation and payments.
Apple Under Pressure
Apple, meanwhile, slipped to second place in the quarterly rankings. Its smartwatch shipments fell 3 percent year-over-year, marking a seventh consecutive quarter of decline. The company continues to lead in the high-end “advanced” segment, thanks to tight integration with iPhones and strong ecosystem loyalty. However, its slowdown in China and an aging product cycle may be weighing on demand. Some analysts believe part of the softness reflects customers waiting for new Apple Watch models expected later this year.
Other Brands on the Move
The shake-up was not limited to the top two. Xiaomi posted a 38 percent jump in shipments by leaning on its value-focused approach, while kids’ smartwatch maker Imoo grew 21 percent. Samsung, however, joined Apple in recording a 3 percent dip for the quarter.
Huawei climb to No. 1 underscores how much the smartwatch market has changed. With Chinese brands driving much of the growth and Apple facing renewed pressure, the competition is heating up again. If forecasts are accurate, 2025 could end as a growth year for smartwatches with Huawei and Apple battling closely for the crown.
