The global wearable device market saw shipments reach 27.9 million units in Q2 2018, up 5.5 percent from the year-earlier quarter, according to IDC. In value terms, the market was up 8.3 percent year-on-year to USD 4.8 billion, driven by the continued popularity of high-price smartwatches.
On a regional basis, mature markets (N America, W Europe, Japan) fell 6.3 percent year-on-year, with smartwatch sales growth not enough to offset the decline in basic wristbands. Emerging markets (Asia-Pacific, C&E Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa) grew 14 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, driven by continued high demand for basic low-cost wristbands and growing sales of more expensive smartwatches.
Apple continued to lead the global wearables market in Q2 with a market share of 17 percent, followed by Xiaomi (15.1%), Fitbit (9.5%), Huawei (6.5%) and Garmin (5.3%).
