Makers of smart devices benefitting from focus on health and exercise
Consumers’ focus on exercise and health has meant a significant growth of the market for smartwatches and wristbands over the past year. The demand will continue to grow as residents’ requirements for quality of life and experience improve, market research firm IDC forecasts. And since December 28, all new devices sold in the EU must support USB-C charging. From April 2026, this will be the rule also for laptops.
China is the biggest market for wrist-worn devices and it will in 2025 grow 3,2% to 62.5 million units. With the development of sensing and AI technology, the health monitoring function of smartwatches will be further improved in terms of data richness and accuracy, and more applications and related products may appear for blood pressure.
Smart rings and glasses without displays are going to be the most interesting wearable devices in the coming quarters as new entrants and new use cases help these products outshine other wearables,” says Jitesh Ubrani, IDC research manager.
“With growth slowing in smartwatches, some vendors are turning to rings as alternative or complementary health trackers. Meanwhile, Meta’s success with Ray-Ban has caught the eye of many fast-followers, particularly in China where Meta’s absence provides opportunity for local brands.”
The global wrist-worn device market shipped 139.0 million units in the first three quarters of 2024, a year-over-year decline of 1.0%, mainly due to market saturation in India and the United States. China’s wrist-worn device market shipped 45.8 million units, a Year-over-year increase of 20.1%. As the largest market for wrist-worn device shipments, China led the global growth.
Of the top four brands, two are Chinese IDC’s Q3 statistics show. Huawei had a market share of 16.9% closely followed by Apple 16.2%, Xiaomi 14.7% and Samsung 8.3%.
The EU’s standardised charging ports for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices is a fact since December 28. All new devices sold in the EU must now support USB-C charging. The EU Commission says this will not only reduce the number of chargers you need to buy but also help minimise electronic waste:
The EU’s Common Charger Directive was approved by the Council of the EU in October 2022. Manufacturers were given a transition period to adjust their designs and ensure compliance.
The rules apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds sold in the EU.
From 28 April 2026, they will also apply to laptops.
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