⌚ Huawei Surpasses Apple in Global Smartwatch Shipments (Q2 2025)

[lingriiddd]

For the first time ever, Huawei has overtaken Apple in global smartwatch shipments, claiming the #1 spot worldwide in Q2 2025, according to Counterpoint Research.

Market Recovery Underway

Global smartwatch shipments grew 8% year-over-year, signaling a rebound after sluggish demand in previous quarters.

Huawei’s shipments surged 52% YoY, giving it a 21% market share.

Apple slipped to 17%, losing the crown it has held for years.

Why Huawei Won This Round

Analysts point to three key factors behind Huawei’s rise:

Broad product lineup covering multiple price segments.

Strong domestic demand — over 75% of shipments went to China.

Competitive pricing, helping Huawei win budget-conscious consumers.

The Top 5 (Q2 2025)

Huawei → 21% share (+52% YoY)

Apple → 17% share (decline YoY)

Xiaomi → 9% share (+38%)

imoo (kids’ smartwatches) → 7% share (+21%)

Samsung → 6% share (-3%)

Analysts note that Apple and Samsung’s drop partly comes from users delaying purchases while waiting for next-gen models expected later this year.

Takeaway

Huawei’s climb marks a major shift in the smartwatch landscape. While Apple and Samsung are still strong contenders, China-driven growth + aggressive pricing is reshaping the global leaderboard.

Do you think Huawei can hold onto the #1 spot once Apple launches its next lineup, or is this just a temporary shake-up?

[Nahid10]

@lingriiddd
Huawei overtaking Apple is a huge milestone. It shows how powerful China’s domestic demand can be when combined with aggressive pricing. Apple still dominates premium, but Huawei has cracked the code on offering options across all budgets, which is why their growth is so explosive right now.

[kelson10]

This isn’t just a numbers game — it’s a shift in strategy. Apple relies on ecosystem lock-in, while Huawei is winning with broader accessibility and new features. If Huawei can start building brand appeal in markets outside of China, Apple may struggle to regain its crown quickly.