Recently, someone asked me if Huawei smartwatches have really surpassed Apple. I have to say something about this, as it is quite a significant piece of news to see Huawei surpass Apple in global smartwatch shipments for the first time.
01. The Global Smartwatch Market is Finally Recovering
First, let’s discuss the latest market data. According to a report just released by Counterpoint Research, global smartwatch shipments in Q2 2025 increased by 8% year-on-year.This marks the first rebound after five consecutive quarters of decline since Q1 2024, which is a strong boost for the industry.
In fact, the main driver of this recovery is the Chinese market. Domestic brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Little Genius have collectively revitalized the global smartwatch market, dispelling the gloom of the past two years.The rising health awareness among Chinese consumers, the proliferation of AI and IoT technologies, and the demand for “all-in-one” devices are all contributing to the growth of smartwatches.
Smartwatches are increasingly becoming the “center of lifestyle,” capable of handling fitness, communication, payment, and navigation all in one device. Coupled with a tighter integration with smartphones,they have evolved from mere time-telling accessories to truly intelligent devices.
02. Huawei Tops the Charts for the First Time, What Enabled Them to Surpass Apple?
To be honest, Huawei’s achievement of becoming the global leader is not a coincidence.In Q2 2025, Huawei’s smartwatch shipments surged by 52% year-on-year, making it the fastest-growing among mainstream global brands, with a market share soaring to 20%, marking its best performance in history.
So why was Huawei able to surpass Apple? I believe there are several key points:
First, Huawei has a strong appeal in the domestic market.Over three-quarters of its shipments come from China, where local users are highly willing to make purchases.
Second, the product line is extensive, covering everything from the cost-effective band series with ultra-long battery life to the WATCH series equipped with advanced health monitoring features, with suitable models available in the $100 to $400 range.
Third, the pricing strategy is indeed competitive.At the same price point, Huawei smartwatches offer configurations and experiences that can compete with similar Apple products in the global market.
Additionally, Huawei has been steadily expanding overseas (in Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, etc.) in recent years, and its ecosystem is becoming increasingly robust. Many users who purchase Huawei smartphones also tend to buy a smartwatch, creating a closed loop.
03. Has Apple Really Lost Its Top Position? Is Its Status in Danger?
On the Apple side, the situation is not as optimistic.This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of decline in Apple’s global smartwatch shipments, which indeed feels a bit like “the higher you climb, the harder you fall.”
However, Apple is not at a dead end. It remains the leader in the high-end market, relying on its strong iOS ecosystem and user loyalty, with many Apple fans still only recognizing the Apple Watch.Analysts generally believe that the decline for Apple and Samsung is related to the lack of new product releases and a strong wait-and-see sentiment among users, as everyone is waiting for the new generation of devices in Q3.
Therefore, while Apple may have dropped to second place in the short term, there is still a chance to regain its position if the new products perform well.
04. Changes Among Other Brands and in the Chinese Market
There are also several highlights in Q2 worth mentioning. For instance, both Xiaomi and Little Genius saw significant increases in shipments. Xiaomi performed exceptionally well in the entry-level market due to its cost-effectiveness and channel coverage, while Little Genius continues to dominate the children’s smartwatch segment, as parents still trust it the most.
Samsung, on the other hand, experienced a slight decline, with a year-on-year drop of 3%, feeling a bit out of sync.
What surprised me the most is that the Chinese market has for the first time surpassed North America to become the largest high-end smartwatch market in the world. Domestic brands have made a concentrated effort, and with many affordable options, policy subsidies, and deep integration with local app ecosystems, smartwatches have become essential in the daily lives of many people.
Compared to North America and Europe, Chinese users are more willing to try new features and are more accepting of the rapid upgrades of smart devices.
05. What Does the Future Hold? AI and Health Features Are Key
Looking ahead to the second half of the year, Counterpoint Research predicts that the global smartwatch market growth rate for the entire year of 2025 is expected to reach around 7%.The integration of AI technology and high-precision health sensors will become a new engine driving industry growth.
Major brands are differentiating their offerings, with entry-level, flagship, sports, and business models available to meet the needs of first-time buyers while also attracting existing users to upgrade.
Personally, I feel that as ecosystems like HarmonyOS, Wear OS, and WatchOS expand, the functionalities of smartwatches will become increasingly diverse, with data interoperability, health management, and AI recommendations likely becoming new selling points.
06. A Final Note
The Q2 2025 smartwatch market is undoubtedly a highlight for domestic brands, and Huawei’s ability to break through and reach the top is indeed commendable.However,the market changes rapidly, and user demands are constantly evolving, so it is uncertain who will ultimately prevail.
When choosing a smartwatch, I recommend that everyone look at official information, not just sales rankings, but also pay attention to actual experiences and after-sales service. Do you think Huawei can maintain its global lead? Or are there other brands worth considering? Let’s discuss in the comments, and should we explore popular smartwatches in the same price range next time?