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Omdia: Xiaomi Reclaims Wearable Band Crown for the First Time Since 2020
Businesswire· 2026-02-27 14:27
Market Overview - Global wearable device shipments surpassed 200 million units in 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year growth [1] - The market is experiencing increased consolidation among top vendors, with Xiaomi leading at 18% market share, followed by Apple at 17% and Huawei at 16% [1][5] Competitive Landscape - The competition in the wearables market is shifting from hardware-driven to ecosystem-led, emphasizing cross-device integration and monetizable data services [2] - Xiaomi's growth is attributed to a multi-category strategy, while Apple maintains a premium position through advanced health features and 5G connectivity [2] - Huawei is focusing on professional sports and medical-grade health applications to strengthen its market presence [2] Revenue Models - AI and subscription services are becoming essential revenue drivers, transforming from optional features to critical components for growth and profitability [3] - Subscription services are increasingly vital for vendors with higher-priced portfolios, providing a buffer against hardware margin compression due to rising component costs [3] Future Outlook - The global wearables market is expected to see modest single-digit growth in 2026, driven by advancements in on-device AI and demand for professional-grade health management [4] - Key physiological metrics, such as blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring, will be crucial for growth among leading smartwatch vendors [4] - Smartwatches are projected to show the strongest momentum, integrating advanced sensing and AI analytics for enhanced ecosystem connectivity [4]