Huawei Tops Apple in Global Smartwatch Shipments for Q2 2025
Huawei has overtaken Apple in global smartwatch shipments for Q2 2025. The Chinese brand now leads the market, a position it has been steadily approaching over the past few years. According to Counterpoint Research, Huawei held 21% market share, while Apple had 17%. Xiaomi ranked third with 9%, followed by “imoo” at 7% and Samsung with 6%.
Year-over-year, Huawei experienced 52% growth, whereas Apple saw a 3% decline. Meanwhile, other Chinese brands also reported strong growth, while Apple and Samsung faced challenges despite an overall 8% increase in total smartwatch shipments during the quarter.
Huawei’s Strategic Advantage
Counterpoint notes that Huawei’s strong performance in China largely drives this market shift. However, the company is also expanding steadily across Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia. This broad presence helps Huawei capitalize on multiple markets simultaneously, strengthening its global leadership position.
Huawei’s strategy differs from Apple’s, as it offers wearables across budget and premium segments. By catering to a wider range of consumers, Huawei can attract more users in every price bracket. In contrast, Apple mainly competes in the premium segment, which limits its market penetration.
Implications for Competitors
The growth of Chinese brands is putting increasing pressure on Apple and Samsung. As Huawei continues to innovate and expand globally, competitors must adapt quickly to maintain their market share. The rise of affordable and versatile wearables indicates that the smartwatch market is becoming more competitive than ever.
Huawei’s ascension marks a significant shift in the global smartwatch landscape, signaling that Apple can no longer rely solely on premium offerings to dominate the market.
