Wearable device shipments worldwide rose 21.7 percent year-on-year in the third quarter to 32.0 million, according to the latest study from IDC. The market was boosted by new products from Fitbit, Garmin and Huawei, helping the basic wearables market return to growth. Figures also got a lift from growing demand in markets like Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan), which made up over half of all shipments which grew 21.4 percent from theyear before before. The positive trend here helped offset the 0.4 percent decline in the US. That market is now transitioning from one driven by new users to one relying on replacement devices and upgrades.
Xiaomi took the top position during the quarter, with its market share rising to 21.5 percent from 13.7 percent the year before. Apple slid to second place, with its market share advancing to 13.1 percent from 10.3 percent. Fitbit came in third, with its market share dipping lower to 10.9 percent from 13.7 percent. Huawei, in fourth, saw its market share go to 5.9 percent from 6 percent while Samsung, in fifth place, lifted its market share to 5.6 percent from 3.6 percent. For Others, the market share fell to 43.0 percent form 52.7 percent.
