Global Wearable Band Shipments Fall 2% in Q2 as Smartwatches Gain 6% and Screenless Trackers Rise
Updated
Updated · Informa PLC · Aug 13
Global Wearable Band Shipments Fall 2% in Q2 as Smartwatches Gain 6% and Screenless Trackers Rise
3 articles · Updated · Informa PLC · Aug 13
Summary
Omdia said global wearable band shipments slipped 2% year over year in Q2 2026, with demand splitting between advanced sports smartwatches and minimalist screenless trackers.
Smartwatch shipments rose 6%, while the broader basic band category fell 9% and basic watches declined 3%, hurt by weaker mid-tier demand and softer follow-through in India.
Apple kept a 46% smartwatch share, while Garmin climbed to 15% and drew level with Samsung as buyers paid up for training accuracy, battery life and outdoor-focused features.
Huawei led the overall wearable band market with an 18% share, up from 17% a year earlier, helped by portfolio expansion and the global launch of its flagship children's smartwatch.
Screenless models topped 15% of basic band shipments after launches such as Fitbit Air and Garmin Cirqa, as rising component costs push prices higher and force brands to justify premiums with AI, integration and better insights.