Breaking Market Moves: Apple Watch Shipments Surge 21% in Q1 2026

A new report from Counterpoint Research reveals that Apple Watch shipments have comfortably outpaced the rest of the smartwatch market during the first quarter of 2026.

Live Critical Analysis: Key Findings

The report highlights that while global smartwatch shipments grew 4% year-on-year during the first three months of 2026, Apple’s shipments surged 21%, reaching a 23% share overall.

Industry Shockwaves: Competitor Performance

Huawei remained in second place, with shipments rising 12% and its share of global shipments reaching 17%. Xiaomi followed with 9% shipment growth, while Imoo posted a more modest 2% increase, with both brands’ shares remaining unchanged. Samsung, meanwhile, saw shipments plunge 28% and its share decline by two percentage points.

Instant Disruptive Impact: Factors Driving Growth

According to Counterpoint Research’s Principal Analyst Anshika Jain, North America contributed over half of the total shipments of Apple, while China and Europe recorded the fastest growth for the brand. The addition of meaningful health upgrades and the affordable SE 3 attracted new buyers.

Market Trends: Average Selling Price Increase

The report also notes a 6% increase in the average selling price of smartwatches during the period, attributed to the integration of improved sensors and advanced technologies to support health monitoring and AI capabilities.

FAQ

Q: What drove Apple Watch shipments in Q1 2026?

A: The addition of meaningful health upgrades and the affordable SE 3 attracted new buyers, contributing to the 21% surge in shipments.

Q: How did competitors perform in the smartwatch market?

A: Huawei saw a 12% increase in shipments, while Xiaomi and Imoo posted 9% and 2% growth, respectively. Samsung, however, saw shipments decline by 28%.

Q: What is the outlook for the smartwatch market?

A: The market is expected to continue growing, driven by the integration of advanced technologies and increasing demand for health monitoring and AI capabilities.