Xiaomi overtakes Apple as world’s top wearable brand in Q1 2025

Xiaomi wearables

Xiaomi has surged past Apple to reclaim the top spot in the global wearable band market, according to fresh data from Canalys. The Chinese tech giant shipped 8.7 million units in the first quarter of 2025—up a staggering 44% from the same period last year—pushing it ahead of Apple for the first time since mid-2021.

Canalys credits Xiaomi’s comeback to a smarter ecosystem strategy, with a retooled lineup that includes the popular Redmi Band 5 and a more robust HyperOS platform linking phones, wearables, and smart home products. It’s a value-driven approach, particularly resonant in emerging markets, where demand for basic wearables is surging.

In contrast, Apple had a relatively muted start to the year. Apple Watch shipments rose just 5% to 7.6 million units, leaving it with a 16% share of the market—three points behind Xiaomi’s 19%. Analysts point to stagnation in Apple’s wearable strategy, though expectations are high for a shakeup later in 2025 to mark the Watch’s 10th anniversary.

The broader wearable band market posted a healthy rebound, growing 13% year-over-year to 46.6 million units. Huawei came in third with 7.1 million units, buoyed by solid GT and Fit line sales and an expanding global footprint for its Health app.

Samsung, now fourth, clocked the most dramatic growth among top brands—up 74% to 4.9 million units—thanks to renewed focus on affordable bands for price-sensitive markets and premium watches elsewhere. Garmin completed the top five with 1.8 million units and a steady 10% annual gain.