According to data released by IDC, global shipments of wrist-worn wearables dropped 4.3 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026 to reach 48,01 mln urządzeń. Despite the broader market contraction, Huawei maintained its position as the worldwide market leader with 9.7 million shipments and a 20.3 percent market share, extending its lead over competitors Xiaomi and Apple as major rivals suffered double-digit shipment declines.
Global Wearables Market Contracts in Q2 2026 Amid Broad Industry Slowdown
The worldwide market for smartwatches and fitness bands faced a downturn during the second quarter of 2026. According to market research from IDC, global shipments fell to 48,01 mln urządzeń, marking a 4.3 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025. The data shows that total shipments across the first half of the year settled near 48 milionów sztuk as macroeconomic pressures and shifting consumer demand affected hardware sales globally.
While the overall industry shrank, individual manufacturers experienced starkly contrasting fortunes.
Huawei Retains Top Spot Despite Minor Shipment Dip
Huawei secured first place in the global wearables ranking for the second quarter of 2026, capturing 20.3 percent of the market with 9.7 million units shipped, according to IDC metrics. The data shows that the Chinese tech giant’s shipments experienced a slight contraction of 1.9 percent year-over-year. However, because this decline was far milder than the wider market average, Huawei successfully expanded its market share from 19.8 percent in the previous year.
The data highlights that Huawei’s resilience stems from a highly diversified product portfolio tailored to various consumer segments. Rather than relying on a single flagship design, the company’s hardware lineup in early 2026 ranged from the everyday fitness-focused HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 and the runner-oriented HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 to the luxury HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN Spring Edition and the children-focused HUAWEI WATCH KIDS X1.
Xiaomi and Apple Suffer Double-Digit Losses as Competitors Close In
Major market rivals faced significant headwinds during the same quarterly window. IDC data shows that Xiaomi placed second with 8.5 million units delivered, translating to a 17.7 percent market share, though its shipments dropped by 10.4 percent year-over-year. Meanwhile, Apple occupied the third position, shipping 6.4 million Apple Watch units and claiming 13.3 percent of the global market.
The data notes that Apple experienced the steepest decline among the top three vendors, with its shipment volume falling 13.6 percent compared to the second quarter of 2025, when it held 14.8 percent of the market. This downward trend widened the gap between the Cupertino-based company and the market leader, leaving Huawei with a 7-point advantage over Apple, according to the data.
Garmin Surges Against the Trend With Strong Growth
Amid widespread stagnation among major consumer tech brands, Garmin emerged as an exception in the top five. IDC figures show that the American manufacturer grew its shipments by 19.8 percent year-over-year to reach 3,3 mln urządzeń. This performance secured Garmin fourth place with a 6.9 percent market share, a result attributed to the brand’s specialized focus on dedicated athletic hardware and outdoor fitness enthusiasts.
Did you know? Garmin was one of the very few major manufacturers in the global top five to record positive year-over-year growth during the second quarter of 2026, bucking the broader industry trend of contraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently the largest vendor of wrist-worn wearables?
According to IDC data for the second quarter of 2026, Huawei is the global market leader with a 20.3 percent market share and 9.7 million units shipped.
How much did the global wearables market shrink in Q2 2026?
Worldwide shipments of smartwatches and fitness bands declined by 4.3 percent year-over-year to 48,01 mln urządzeń, according to IDC.
Which major brand grew its shipments despite the market downturn?
Garmin recorded a 19.8 percent increase in shipments year-over-year, reaching 3,3 mln urządzeń and securing fourth place in the global rankings.
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