Apple no longer world’s top smartwatch brand: Here’s who it is

For years, Apple has reigned supreme and widely considered the go-to name in the smartwatch world. But now, there’s a new leader– Huawei. According to a recent report by IDC, Huawei has overtaken Apple in total shipments of wrist-worn devices during the first nine months of 2024. This includes both smartwatches and fitness bands.

So, how did Huawei manage to beat Apple? The Chinese tech giant introduced new watches like the GT5 and GT5 Pro, packed with advanced health-tracking features. Huawei also expanded into markets like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, tailoring its products to local needs. This strategy paid off, helping the brand grow steadily while other markets, like the US and India, slowed down, as per the report.

Meanwhile, Apple is facing tough competition. Although its Series 10 smartwatch brought a temporary boost in sales during the third quarter, it’s clear that rival brands are catching up. Apple still leads in the global smartwatch category, but the gap is narrowing. Critics say Apple needs to bring fresh ideas and designs to stay ahead.

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