Huawei Beats Apple: In today’s fast-moving world, a smartwatch is no longer just a fashion accessory—it has become an inseparable part of our health, fitness, and digital lifestyle. And now, the smartwatch industry has witnessed a big shake-up that nobody saw coming. According to Counterpoint Research’s latest report, Huawei has overtaken Apple to become the number one smartwatch brand worldwide in Q2 2025. This news has completely reshaped the dynamics of the global wearable market.
Huawei’s Remarkable Leap in the Global Market
For the past few quarters, the global smartwatch market was facing a slowdown, but Q2 2025 finally brought recovery. The report highlights that overall smartwatch shipments worldwide saw an impressive 8% year-on-year growth. At the center of this comeback was China, where rising demand boosted the industry’s pace.
Huawei emerged as the star performer with a massive 52% growth in shipments, securing 21% of the global market share. This incredible leap helped Huawei dethrone Apple and capture the top spot. From once being a challenger brand to now being the global leader, Huawei’s journey is proof that innovation, competitive pricing, and strong regional demand can completely change the market landscape.
Apple and Samsung Struggle to Keep Up
While Huawei celebrated its victory, the story wasn’t as bright for Apple and Samsung. Both tech giants saw a 3% decline in shipments during the same quarter. Apple, however, continues to dominate the premium smartwatch segment, especially with its advanced health-tracking features and strong global brand loyalty. But when it comes to sheer shipment numbers, Huawei has officially taken the crown. Samsung too faced challenges, struggling to match Huawei’s aggressive growth in Asia.
The Rise of Chinese Brands in the Smartwatch World
Huawei wasn’t the only Chinese company to shine in this quarter. Xiaomi recorded a stunning 38% growth, while Imoo achieved 21% growth, strengthening China’s dominance in the global smartwatch industry. Together, these brands have made China the single largest contributor to global smartwatch shipments. This wave of success proves that Chinese manufacturers are no longer just catching up—they are now setting the pace for the entire industry.
What Lies Ahead for the Smartwatch Industry?
Counterpoint Research predicts that the global smartwatch market will continue its recovery in the coming months, with another 7% growth expected by the end of 2025. With Huawei now leading the pack, competition is only going to get more intense. Apple and Samsung will be eager to strike back with fresh innovations, while Chinese brands will keep pushing boundaries with affordable yet feature-rich devices.
One thing is clear—the smartwatch market is heading towards an exciting, more competitive future. Consumers can expect better technology, improved health features, and more variety in the coming years. And as Huawei takes its well-earned spot at the top, the smartwatch story has just entered a thrilling new chapter.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the Counterpoint Research report and other available media sources. It is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to make their own decisions regarding financial or investment matters.