Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Sep 8
Apple Watch Shipments Jump 14% in Q2 2026 as Global Smartwatch Market Falls 4%
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Sep 8

Apple Watch Shipments Jump 14% in Q2 2026 as Global Smartwatch Market Falls 4%

3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Sep 8

Summary

  • Apple captured 20.1% of global smartwatch shipments in Q2 2026 after a 14% year-over-year rise, the fastest growth among the top five brands even as the overall market shrank.
  • Counterpoint attributed the gain to continued demand for Apple’s refreshed late-2025 lineup, with the Series 11 and Watch SE 3 contributing more than 80% of Apple Watch shipments.
  • Huawei still led the market with a 21.8% share after 1% shipment growth, while Garmin also expanded 11%; Xiaomi’s shipments fell 38% and Imoo’s dropped 3%.
  • China was central to the quarter: Apple posted the fastest growth there among the top five brands, signaling a rebound from Q2 2025, while subsidies also lifted smartwatch sales.

Insights

With global smartwatch sales shrinking, what hidden strategy helped Apple achieve massive growth against the odds?
How did localized government subsidies quietly crown Huawei the king of a declining global wearable market?
Are basic smartwatches facing permanent extinction as buyers delay upgrades for breakthrough AI-driven health technology?