Highlights
- Xiaomi reclaims the top spot in the global wearable band market in Q1 2025.
- It surpassed Apple with 8.7 million units shipped (a 44% increase).
- The wearable band market sees a 13% growth, reaching 46.6 million shipments with basic wearables driving demand.
- Huawei, Samsung and Garmin follow with Samsung showing the highest growth (74%) by expanding affordable bands.
Caption – Xiaomi is in the top spot in the global wearable band market. (Image credit – Xiaomi)
Xiaomi is back on top of the global wearable band market, beating Apple to become the number one vendor in Q1 2025, according to new data from Canalys.
The research firm says Xiaomi’s stronger and more refined ecosystem helped it reclaim the lead it last held in mid-2021. In contrast, Apple’s wearable strategy is starting to feel outdated.
Canalys reports that the overall wearable band market is bouncing back. Shipments grew 13% year-over-year to hit 46.6 million units in Q1 2025. Most of this growth came from basic wearables, which are more popular in emerging markets, where Xiaomi has a strong presence.
Caption – Top wearable brands vendors. (Credit – Canalys)
Noting this, Canalys Analyst Jack Leathem said, “Xiaomi has upgraded its Mi Band and Redmi Watch series with refreshed designs and advanced data capabilities, bringing comprehensive features down the price segments, boosting its value proposition. Its growth has also been supported by effective multi-category coordination and competitive pricing, particularly in emerging economies. (…) Samsung has also increased its focus on its basic bands to grow its presence in emerging economies.”
Caption – Global wearable brands shipments Q1 2025. (Credit – Canalys)
Xiaomi shipped 8.7 million units in the quarter, marking a 44% increase from the same time last year. A big driver was the Redmi Band 5, but Canalys credits the brand’s wider success to its HyperOS platform, which links phones, wearables, and smart home devices.
Apple, on the other hand, had a relatively quiet quarter. It shipped 7.6 million units, a 5% increase taking a 16% market share compared to Xiaomi’s 19%. These figures match up with recent findings from Counterpoint, which noted that the Apple Watch has been on a global decline for the past two years.
The report reads, “With 2025 marking the Apple Watch’s tenth anniversary, Apple is expected to regain momentum in the second half of the year with a big portfolio update, leaning on its mature and tightly integrated health-focused ecosystem.”
Huawei held onto third place with 7.1 million units sold, boosted by its GT and Fit series and the expanding reach of the Huawei Health app.
Samsung came in fourth but posted the highest growth among the top five, up 74% to 4.9 million units. The company focused on both affordable bands for emerging markets and premium smartwatches for other regions.
Garmin took fifth place with 1.8 million units shipped, marking a 10% year-over-year growth.
FAQS
Q1. How did Xiaomi regain the top spot in the global wearable band market in Q1 2025?
Answer. Xiaomi’s success was driven by its stronger and more refined ecosystem, competitive pricing, and presence in emerging markets. The company upgraded its Mi Band and Redmi Watch series with refreshed designs and advanced data capabilities, offering comprehensive features at lower price points.
Q2. How did the overall wearable band market perform in Q1 2025?
Answer. The wearable band market bounced back with a 13% year-over-year growth, reaching 46.6 million shipments. Most of this growth came from basic wearables, which are more popular in emerging markets where Xiaomi has a strong presence.
Q3. What is Apple’s current position in the wearable band market?
Answer. Apple is now in second place, having shipped 7.6 million units, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
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