Chinese company’s devices prove a hit with cost-conscious consumers
Electronics retailers in Japan say Huawei smartwatches are a popular choice. (Photo by Mana Kubota)
HITOMI IZAWA
October 2, 2025 00:56 JST
TOKYO — Smartwatch shipments from Chinese telecom hardware giant Huawei Technologies have surpassed Apple to make it the world’s top seller, in part due to better cost performance as consumers look to save money.
Global smartwatch shipments in the April-June period rose 8% year-on-year to 34.4 million units, according to Counterpoint Research. Huawei saw a 53% increase to around 7.2 million units, taking the top spot for the first time with a 21% global market share.
Apple smartwatch shipments fell 3% to 5.8 million units for the same period, the seventh consecutive quarter of year-on-year decline. Apple’s market share was 17% for April-June.