FRAMINGHAM, MA – The global wearables market grew 35.1% year-over-year during the third quarter, with total shipments reaching 125 million units, according to International Data Corp.

The surge was driven by seasonality, new product launches, and the global pandemic. New products from the likes of Apple, Samsung, and others helped renew interest in popular categories such as smartwatches and hearables. Meanwhile, consumer spend on electronics also increased during recent months as spending on travel, dining out, and other leisure activities decreased. This shift in spending was another catalyst for the wearables market.

"Many countries began easing restrictions and opening up their economies during the third quarter, which helped bolster outdoor activity, as well as demand for wearables," said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC Mobile Device Trackers. "Meanwhile, a broader range of price points from numerous vendors meant there was something for everyone."

"The double-digit growth not only indicates strong demand, but also suggests many people got a wearable device for the first time in both emerging and developed markets," said Ramon T. Llamas, research director, Mobile Devices and AR/VR. "Consider what this means: a larger installed base of wearable device users going forward and a larger opportunity for device replacements in the years to come. And, as some wearers own multiple devices – like earwear and wristwear – the wearables market will enjoy sustained demand."

Apple led the market with 33.1% share during the quarter. AirPods along with Apple Watches were popular due to pandemic-driven demand. Apple's expanding Watch lineup also ensured devices were available at multiple price points, including new mid-level products such as the Watch SE.

Xiaomi followed in second place with 17 million units shipped, 12.8 million of which were basic wristbands. The low price point, along with international expansion, combined to move the company forward with 26.4% year-over-year growth.

Huawei ranked third with unit shipments totaling 13.7 million. Despite facing US sanctions, the company was able to drive growth across multiple markets, although its shipments were concentrated in China. Nonetheless, by not relying on Google for its watches and with many components coming from non-US vendors, the negative impact to Huawei's wearables business has been less than in other tech categories.

Samsung's strategy to attack the earwear market with multiple brands continues to pay off, as the company ranked fourth in the wearables market. Hearable shipments reached 8.4 million during quarter, along with 2.6 million smartwatches. Bundling wearables with smartphones continues for the South Korean electronics maker, and, at least in smartwatches, the company continues to invest in the commercial segment, a strategy employed by few smartwatch brands.

Fitbit and BoAt tied for fifth place, each holding 2.6% of the wearables market. Fitbit's new devices launched near the end of the quarter were relatively well received, and a price drop on older models has helped the company stay within the top five. Meanwhile, BoAt focuses solely on the Indian market (a rapidly growing market for wearables) and primarily sells hearables. Post-lockdown in India, the company has benefitted from a strong marketing campaign and tie-ins with local cricket teams. While ambitions remain strong for the company, it lacks the global presence and supply chain of its many competitors.

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