Q2 2026 global smartwatch shipments fell 4% year over year, the market’s first decline in a year, while Huawei led vendors with a record 22% shipment share.
Longer replacement cycles drove the drop as buyers delayed low-cost watch upgrades over limited features and premium purchases ahead of upcoming launches.
China underpinned the shift, taking a record 38% of global shipments after 7% growth; nearly 80% of Huawei’s volume came from the market, helped by demand for local brands and subsidies.
Apple still posted the fastest growth among the top five brands, with Series 11 and Watch SE 3 making up more than 80% of its global shipments.
Counterpoint now expects full-year 2026 smartwatch shipments to grow only 1%, though AI features and new health tracking could support a 3% CAGR through 2030.