The global wearable band market Q1 2025 report by Canalys shows major shifts in vendor rankings, led by Xiaomi, Samsung, and Huawei. Total shipments hit 46.6 million units in Q1 — up 13% year-on-year. The report reveals significant shifts in vendor rankings and growth momentum, especially among the top five players.
Xiaomi Becomes Global Leader
Xiaomi emerged as the top vendor in Q1 2025 with 8.7 million units shipped, capturing an 18.7% market share. This marks a substantial 44% year-on-year growth over Q1 2024, driven by strong performance across Asia and competitive pricing of its smart bands.
Apple Holds Second Place
Apple maintained its second-place position with 7.6 million shipments and a 16.3% market share. Despite only 5% annual growth, Apple’s dominance in the premium smartwatch segment, especially with the Apple Watch Series and SE models, continues to ensure its stronghold among iOS users.
Huawei Gains Momentum
Huawei claimed third place with 7.1 million shipments and 15.1% share, registering an impressive 36% annual growth. Huawei’s expansion in Europe, paired with its integration of HarmonyOS in wearables, has played a key role in its surge.
Samsung Posts Fastest Growth
Samsung recorded the fastest growth among the top players with a 74% YoY increase. It shipped 4.9 million units in Q1 2025, taking 10.6% of the global market. The growth is attributed to the success of Galaxy Fit and Watch models, along with increased bundling offers with smartphones.
Garmin Stays Niche
Garmin continues to cater to the premium fitness and outdoor watch segment. With 1.8 million units shipped and a 3.9% share, it posted modest 10% growth YoY. Its loyal base among athletes and adventurers keeps it competitive in a niche category.
Others Segment Declines
The “Others” category — comprising smaller vendors — saw a 10% annual decline, dropping from 18.3 million units to 16.5 million. Their overall market share shrank from 44.3% in Q1 2024 to 35.4% in Q1 2025, indicating continued consolidation and challenges in competing with major brands on innovation and pricing.
Market Outlook
The wearable market is becoming more consolidated, with the top five vendors now commanding over 64% of global share. Strong double-digit growth from Xiaomi, Huawei, and Samsung shows increasing consumer demand for health tracking, fitness features, and smartwatch utility at all price points. Brands offering cross-device ecosystems and affordability are winning big in this competitive space.
Canalys Q1 2025 Wearable Band Data Snapshot
- Total Shipments: 46.6 million units
- Annual Growth: 13%
- Top Vendor: Xiaomi (8.7M units, 18.7% share)
- Fastest Growth: Samsung (74%)
- Declining Segment: Others (-10%)
Conclusion
The Q1 2025 wearable band market reflects a clear shift toward stronger, ecosystem-backed brands. As consumers look for smarter, feature-rich wearables at competitive prices, leaders like Xiaomi and Samsung are capitalizing on this trend. The next few quarters will be crucial for smaller players to differentiate or risk fading further.
