Apple Watch Sales Drop 19% as Smartwatch Market Sees First Decline

For the first time, the smartwatch market is experiencing a decline, leading to a 19% drop in Apple Watch sales, as even the tech giant is not immune to this downward trend.

Historic Decline in Smartwatch Sales

In 2024, for the first time since the Apple Watch was introduced in 2014, the smartwatch market has seen a downturn. Global shipments of these tech accessories have decreased by 7% compared to the previous year, according to data from market research firm Counterpoint.

Apple, the Impacted Giant

Apple, the tech giant from Cupertino, has been particularly hit by this trend. The company shipped 19% fewer units of the Apple Watch compared to 2023, marking a significant drop. Possible reasons include the absence of the highly anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the fact that Apple’s tenth anniversary watch was not very different from the previous Series 9.

Effective Competitors

However, some smartwatch manufacturers focusing on budget models have managed to excel. For instance, Chinese maker Huawei shipped 35% more devices in 2024 than in 2023, while Xiaomi saw a massive increase of 135% in its smartwatch sales.

What’s Next for the Apple Watch?

Despite a lackluster year for the Apple Watch in 2024, rumors suggest that the tide may turn. The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to feature a larger screen, significantly improved battery life, and hypertension alerts. Additionally, a potentially more affordable Apple Watch SE 3 could also be on the horizon. It’s too early to definitively judge the future of Apple Watch sales.