HERTFORDSHIRE, UK – The “true” wireless headphone segment grew 178% year-over-year in the first quarter, with Apple achieving 80% market share, according to Futuresource.

During the period, true wireless accounted for 31% of all in-ear product revenues, says the firm. As the average retail price continued to drop from $171 to $161 in the first quarter, Apple AirPods maintained their dominance, compelling competitors to introduce products at less than $150.

Wireless capability had already penetrated 45% of headphones in the quarter and was instrumental in driving further uptake for many other features and form factors, including true wireless, neckbands, noise-canceling and additional smart features.

On a worldwide basis, the overall headphones market totaled 79.1 million units in the first quarter, with retail revenues topping $4 billion.

"Brands are enthusiastically adding features, resulting in a 17% rise in the average retail price to $52,” said Rasika D'Souza, senior market analyst at Futuresource. "Across all categories, the highest price increase is in over-ear products, due to the impact of noise-canceling and wireless technologies."

JBL achieved 100% year-over-year growth and is growing its presence across all segments, including in/on-ear, wired/wireless and sport, says the research firm.

Register now for PCB WEST, the largest trade show for the printed circuit and electronics industry in the Silicon Valley! Coming Sept. 11-13 to the Santa Clara Convention Center.

• Prev
• Next