BEIJING – Global wrist-worn device shipments rose 10.5% year-over-year in the first quarter, totaling 45.6 million units, according to IDC. The growth was driven by strong demand in key regions, including Western Europe, the US, Latin America and Asia/Pacific, as well as a 37.6% surge in China supported by government subsidies.

Smartwatch shipments hit 34.8 million units globally, up 4.8% year-over-year, while wristbands jumped 34% to 10.8 million units. Huawei led worldwide shipments, followed by Xiaomi and Apple. IDC expects continued growth, particularly in China, as health-focused government initiatives and subsidies boost adoption.

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