Worldwide Wearables Market Grows 7.3% in Q3 2017
November 30, 2017 | IDCEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
The worldwide wearables market took another step forward in the third quarter of 2017 (3Q17) with total shipment volume reaching 26.3 million units, up 7.3% year over year, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker. But while the overall market showed continued growth, it also showed a growing trend towards smart wearables (devices capable of running third party applications) and away from basic wearables (devices that do not run third party applications).
"The differing trajectories for both smart and basic wearables underscore the ongoing evolution for the wearables market," said Ramon T. Llamas, research manager for IDC’s Wearables team. "Basic wearables – with devices coming from Fitbit, Xiaomi, and Huawei – helped establish the wearables market. But as tastes and demands have changed towards multi-purpose devices – like smartwatches from Apple, Fossil, and Samsung – vendors find themselves at a crossroads to adjust accordingly to capture growth opportunity and mindshare."
"Along with a change in the types of devices being sold, there's also in a change in where the devices are being sold," said Jitesh Ubrani senior research analyst for IDC Mobile Device Trackers. "Traditional tech outlets still play a huge role in distribution but companies like Fossil and Movado are pushing forth fashion-oriented channels. Meanwhile, Apple's recent introduction of cellular connectivity, and Samsung's longstanding relationship with telcos are also helping provide an uplift to sales and awareness of wearables."
Wearables Company Highlights
Fitbit and Xiaomi finished the quarter in a statistical tie* for first place, but showed different routes getting there. Fitbit, while showing a notable decrease in shipment volume, debuted its first smartwatch – the Ionic – a decidedly fitness-oriented device that plays to the company's rich fitness heritage. While its early responses and reviews have been encouraging, Fitbit's fitness trackers posted their fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year decline. Xiaomi posted a slight year-over-year decrease in volume with a diversification beyond fitness bands and watches and adding its own line of smart footwear. But as seen in previous quarters, the majority of Xiaomi's shipments remained within its home country of China.
Apple's results reflect the timing of its product refresh late in the quarter and this was evident in the overall shipment increase as the release of its Watch 3 was enough to buoy volumes and remain ahead of the competition. The introduction of a cellular-connected version should spur interest from would-be purchasers going forward, and its slow and purposeful approach to cellular-enabled capabilities (including voice, data, and streaming music) will give users time to acclimate to a smartphone-free experience.
Huawei posted the largest year-over-year growth among the leading vendors, showing a rededication to fitness bands with several new models (including the Sport Band 2 Pro, B19 and B29) and an introduction to smart earwear with its Sport Pulse Earphones that track heart rate in addition to audio. Like Xiaomi, the majority of Huawei's shipments remained in China.
Garmin, though showing a year-over-year decline, continues its transition from basic wearables to smart wearables, with the two categories nearly balancing each other out. Still, Garmin boasts one of the most diversified product portfolios, with devices addressing multiple sports and lifestyle segments, and offering a smart wearable for nearly each of them.
IDC Trackers
IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly excel deliverables and on-line query tools.
About IDC
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading media, data and marketing services company.
Suggested Items
Keynote Preview: Reshaping our Engagement With the World
03/28/2024 | Shawn DuBravac, IPCThe widespread integration of AI across various sectors is broadening its impact, from revolutionizing healthcare with Smart solutions to transforming homes into intuitive spaces, highlighting its crucial role in boosting efficiency and addressing complex challenges. In healthcare, we're witnessing a trend toward personalized care with AI-driven devices like intelligent pillows to mitigate snoring, sophisticated sleep monitors, and innovative patient monitoring systems.
Indium Corporation to Present, Exhibit at EPP InnovationsFORUM
03/28/2024 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation is set to present and exhibit at EPP InnovationsFORUM, one of Europe’s premier single-day electronics manufacturing forums, on April 17 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. Topic areas for 2024 will include AI, automation, sustainability, and quality.
Accenture Invests in Sanctuary AI to Bring AI-Powered, Humanoid Robotics to Work Alongside Humans
03/27/2024 | BUSINESS WIREAccenture has made a strategic investment, through Accenture Ventures, in Sanctuary AI, a developer of humanoid general-purpose robots that are powered by AI and can perform a wide variety of work tasks quickly, safely and effectively.
AT&S Well Prepared to Benefit from AI Boom
03/26/2024 | AT&SThe rapid progress in the development of artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize all areas of daily life in the coming years. In order to operate such AI systems, an enormous amount of computing power is required, which is provided by a vast network of data centres.
The IMAPS Show: A Conversation with John Andresakis
03/26/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineOn the last day of the IMAPS Device Packaging Conference, Marcy LaRont sat down with industry veteran John Andresakis of Quantic Ohmega, who attended the conference this week. Not his first time at this event, he talked about the conference, advanced technology, and trying to get the word out about the advanced packaging substrates solution Quantic is offering.