Smartwatch shipments grew steadily in Q1 2026 with Apple still leading the pack

According to the latest Counterpoint report, the global smart wearable market grew 4% in Q1 2026 compared to the same period last year, which follows a steady recovery in 2025 after a rough 2024. The analysts say Apple's relatively new wearable devices fueled much of the growth, and consumers are now generally more inclined to buy premium smartwatches.

The growth of the Chinese smartwatch market has also contributed quite a bit, with Huawei leading the pack domestically, followed by Imoo and Xiaomi. Shipments in the country grew 15% YoY, and Huawei seized 40% of the domestic market share.

The global ASP (Average Selling Price) has risen 6% YoY in the first quarter of this year, which the indication that consumers are looking for more premium features. And manufacturers seem to be responding to the demand. The latest wearable devices offer more premium features, more sensors and overall better health-tracking capabilities.

North America contributed over half of Apple's total shipments, securing its first place with a 23% market share, which is a 21% growth from Q1 2025. Huawei takes the second spot with a 12% increase in sales, followed by Xiaomi, Imoo and Samsung. The latter recorded a significant 28% dip.