In the first quarter of 2025, Xiaomi stunned the tech world by overtaking Apple to become the top vendor in the global wearable band market. The company’s success can largely be attributed to its popular Mi Band series, known for its affordability and functionality.
Since its launch in 2014 with a price of just $14, the Mi Band has attracted a large consumer base, particularly in the United States, where it remains one of the few Xiaomi products readily available. According to data from Canalys, Xiaomi shipped 8.7 million units during Q1, representing a remarkable 44% increase compared to the same period last year.
This impressive performance allowed Xiaomi to capture a leading market share of 19%. In contrast, Apple’s shipments of the Apple Watch only rose by 5%, totaling 7.6 million units and resulting in a market share of 16%, placing it second.
Huawei followed closely behind Apple, delivering 7.1 million wearable bands, a 36% increase that secured it third place with a 15% market share. Samsung also saw impressive growth, with a 74% rise in shipments to 4.9 million units, primarily attributed to its strong lineup of premium smartwatches and more affordable mass-market options.
Samsung acquired an 11% market share in the first quarter. Garmin completed the top five with a total of 1.8 million units shipped, which translated to a 4% global market share.
The overall wearable band market showed positive growth, with a total of 46.6 million units shipped in Q1, a 13% increase year-over-year. Basic bands and watches led this growth, indicating a strong interest in affordable wearables.
A survey highlighted that price is the most significant factor for consumers when choosing a smartwatch, followed by battery life, health-tracking features, brand recognition, and design considerations.