Apple Watch Continues to Dominate Global Smartwatch Market in Q1 2020

[MacRumors]

Strong online sales ensured a growth in worldwide smartwatch shipments in the first three months of this year, despite the impact of the global health crisis, according to a new report by Strategy Analytics.

Shipments grew 20 percent year on year in the first quarter, reaching 13.7 million units, up from 11.4 million units in the previous quarter. Apple Watch retained its dominant top spot with 55 percent market share, following by Samsung, with Garmin rising to third place.

In Q1 2020, 7.6 million Apple Watch units shipped, a 23 percent increase from the 6.2 million shipped in the same quarter a year ago. Apple Watch's market share was up marginally from 54 percent to 55 percent.

Samsung shipped 1.9 million smartwatch units, up from 1.7 million last year, but its market share declined from 15 percent to 14 percent, due to a combination of the health crisis in South Korea and strong competition from Garmin and other rivals.

Garmin shipped 1.1 million units, compared to 800,000 units a year ago. That's a 38 percent increase year on year and a growth in Garmin's market share from 7 to 8 percent.

Strategy Analytics predicts a slowdown in growth in the second quarter of 2020, with a recovery in the second half of the year as retail stores reopen and consumers look to smartwatches to help monitor their health.

Steven Waltzer, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, said, "Global smartwatch shipments grew 20 percent annually from 11.4 million units in Q1 2019 to 13.7 million in Q1 2020. Despite considerable headwinds from the Covid-19 scare, global demand for smartwatches continued to grow. Smartwatches are selling well through online retail channels, while many consumers have been using smartwatches to monitor their health and fitness during virus lockdown."

Apple is expected to launch Apple Watch Series 6 this fall with more rumored health-related features taking top billing, including blood oxygen level tracking, sleep tracking, and a new fitness app.

Article Link: Apple Watch Continues to Dominate Global Smartwatch Market in Q1 2020

 

[Agit21]

I want an Apple Watch lite. 7 days battery life, no microphone, no loudspeaker, no „holes“ or cutouts - only for sport activities and notifications.
I mean I’ll never speak on the watch, I just need the notification and can use my AirPods to take a call.

 

[SBlue1]

I want an Apple Watch lite. 7 days battery life, no microphone, no loudspeaker, no „holes“ or cutouts - only for sport activities and notifications.
I mean I’ll never speak on the watch, I just need the notification and can use my AirPods to take a call.

You mean you don’t want a watch but an activity tracker? Like the hundreds that are out there?

 

[JSRinUK]

I want an Apple Watch lite. 7 days battery life, no microphone, no loudspeaker, no „holes“ or cutouts - only for sport activities and notifications.
I mean I’ll never speak on the watch, I just need the notification and can use my AirPods to take a call.

I speak on my watch all the time - whether it's to do a text message or to take a phone call. I do more calling/texting on my watch than on my phone.

And I use the speaker all the time for calling out my splits on a run.

I turn off most notifications, though. They can be incredibly annoying when I'm out on a run. I use my watch to keep me connected to home in case of emergency, and almost no notification is an emergency.

 

[ksec]

There is still two annoying thing I have with the Apple Watch Design.

The Crown in not in the centre. And it is Square body instead of Circle. I wonder if we will ever see it fixed.

[automerge]1588844895[/automerge]

I want an Apple Watch lite. 7 days battery life, no microphone, no loudspeaker, no „holes“ or cutouts - only for sport activities and notifications.
I mean I’ll never speak on the watch, I just need the notification and can use my AirPods to take a call.

Something like an Apple "Band". Would love something similar as well. I only need it to track my heart rate, Apple Pay.

 

[Abazigal]

There is no Smartwatch market. There is only the Apple Watch market.

 

[Scottsoapbox]

I want an Apple Watch lite. 7 days battery life, no microphone, no loudspeaker, no „holes“ or cutouts - only for sport activities and notifications.
I mean I’ll never speak on the watch, I just need the notification and can use my AirPods to take a call.

Buy a Garmin. It does all this and is way better at activities than Apple's watch.

 

[djcerla]

With Apple and Garmin, shipped=sold.

Samsung, not so much. They are mostly bundled with other gadgets’ purchases.

 

[alien3dx]

I want an Apple Watch lite. 7 days battery life, no microphone, no loudspeaker, no „holes“ or cutouts - only for sport activities and notifications.
I mean I’ll never speak on the watch, I just need the notification and can use my AirPods to take a call.

efit samsung does it work but call i dont think so. you need to ask apple to create e ink screen which fall back not premium apple.

maybe you just need to check out casio gbd h1000

 

[44267547]

There is no Smartwatch market. There is only the Apple Watch market.

I get what you’re trying to imply here, but there needs to be a ‘smart watch market’ with competition for Apple. If there’s no competition, then what happens is you have stagnation setting on and lack-there-of innovation. Apple has plenty of health features coming in the future, but I would like to see more competitors continue with their smart watch variants. It’s obvious Apple is growing immensely with the wearable market, but with smart watches in general, there has to be competition like Fitbit, Garmin to provide options to consumers with features/price points, but something competitive against Apple To show also how far ahead Apple is with the smart watch.

On that same note, I think one of the reasons the Apple Watch is so successful, is because the ‘devotion’ to iOS, and the Apple Watch is the clear choice for anyone considering one.

 

[44267547]

Buy a Garmin. It does all this and is way better at activities than Apple's watch.

I’d ask you what kind experience you have with Garmin. Their software struggles, which is their major pitfall. Their hardware is actually very good, but in terms of OS support and stability coupled with unpatched issues, It’s consistently not good. If you have poor OS for a smart watch, then what good is the hardware experience? (Rhetorical)

 

[Harvey Zoltan]

There is still two annoying thing I have with the Apple Watch Design.

The Crown in not in the centre. And it is Square body instead of Circle. I wonder if we will ever see it fixed.

[automerge]1588844895[/automerge]


Something like an Apple "Band". Would love something similar as well. I only need it to track my heart rate, Apple Pay.

I think what you're looking for is a traditional watch.

 

[Abazigal]

I get what you’re trying to imply here, but there needs to be a ‘smart watch market’ with competition for Apple. If there’s no competition, then what happens is you have stagnation setting on and lack-there-of innovation. Apple has plenty of health features coming in the future, but I would like to see more competitors continue with their smart watch variants. It’s obvious Apple is growing immensely with the wearable market, but with smart watches in general, there has to be competition like Fitbit, Garmin to provide options to consumers with features/price points, but something competitive against Apple To show also how far ahead Apple is with the smart watch.

On that same note, I think one of the reasons the Apple Watch is so successful, is because the ‘devotion’ to iOS, and the Apple Watch is the clear choice for anyone considering one.

When it comes to smart watches, it’s hard to see iPhone users having a viable choice besides the Apple Watch.

For one, because Apple controls the platform, the Apple Watch will always have access to features and capabilities third parties won’t. Even something as basic as quick replies to messages is something only Apple can do. As time goes on, I am willing to bet that the watch is going to be even more deeply integrated with the rest of the Apple ecosystem, which further increases the value of the watch while diminishing the value of the other alternatives.

Fitbit is cheaper, but they are now owned by google, which to me does not inspire confidence. Mainly due to their poor track record with wearables thus far. Garmin is interesting, but it’s simply a more expensive niche for more fitness-conscious individuals.

There will always be alternatives, but I don’t see meaningful alternatives to the Apple Watch unless Apple is somehow forced to open up their wearables platform to third parties as well.

 

[alien3dx]

When it comes to smart watches, it’s hard to see iPhone users having a viable choice besides the Apple Watch.

For one, because Apple controls the platform, the Apple Watch will always have access to features and capabilities third parties won’t. Even something as basic as quick replies to messages is something only Apple can do. As time goes on, I am willing to bet that the watch is going to be even more deeply integrated with the rest of the Apple ecosystem, which further increases the value of the watch while diminishing the value of the other alternatives.

Fitbit is cheaper, but they are now owned by google, which to me does not inspire confidence. Mainly due to their poor track record with wearables thus far. Garmin is interesting, but it’s simply a more expensive niche for more fitness-conscious individuals.

There will always be alternatives, but I don’t see meaningful alternatives to the Apple Watch unless Apple is somehow forced to open up their wearables platform to third parties as well.

It's about function.

If you take Casio gbd-h1000 -> You mean you need something more durable then apple watch.

If you take efit -> You not bind to Samsung device but at least light and not for calling

If you take Samsung watch active v2 -> Good future and another one in the making blood pressure making good competitor compare to apple watch. But still, da best must match to their $$$ phone ecosystem also.

If you take apple watch -> You already know lol.

** Do remind, all-digital whatever can't be full-proof as medical assistance device base on the country.

 

[44267547]

When it comes to smart watches, it’s hard to see iPhone users having a viable choice besides the Apple Watch.

For one, because Apple controls the platform, the Apple Watch will always have access to features and capabilities third parties won’t. Even something as basic as quick replies to messages is something only Apple can do. As time goes on, I am willing to bet that the watch is going to be even more deeply integrated with the rest of the Apple ecosystem, which further increases the value of the watch while diminishing the value of the other alternatives.

Fitbit is cheaper, but they are now owned by google, which to me does not inspire confidence. Mainly due to their poor track record with wearables thus far. Garmin is interesting, but it’s simply a more expensive niche for more fitness-conscious individuals.

There will always be alternatives, but I don’t see meaningful alternatives to the Apple Watch unless Apple is somehow forced to open up their wearables platform to third parties as well.

I don’t think consumers generally read into the whole ‘Google owning Fitbit‘, as they probably don’t even know/care about that. Fitbit is probably the most viable option in terms of competition against the Apple Watch, simply because they offer so many different models that can be a basic health tracker for steps/heart rate.

I think in order for Apple to truly ‘own the smart watch market’, really doesn’t come down just to features/health advancements, I would say it’s pricing segments across their lineup that can offer something for everyone. Most consumers are not going to opt for the ceramic/titanium Apple Watch models due to the price, but the aluminum being vastly popular due to the cheaper price point. Keep in mind, Apple Watch OS is the same amongst all the models, you’re essentially choosing the aesthetic choice of the casing material. I think consumers see price first before they do the actual advancements in technology, especially given that smart watches are not Upgraded annually by the majority.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

There is still two annoying thing I have with the Apple Watch Design.

... And it is Square body instead of Circle. I wonder if we will ever see it fixed.

I believe, if you make something worse, it doesn't count as a "fix". 🤔

 

[Abazigal]

I think in order for Apple to truly ‘own the smart watch market’, really doesn’t come down just to features/health advancements, I would say it’s pricing segments across their lineup that can offer something for everyone. Most consumers are not going to opt for the ceramic/titanium Apple Watch models due to the price, but the aluminum being vastly popular due to the cheaper price point. Keep in mind, Apple Watch OS is the same amongst all the models, you’re essentially choosing the aesthetic choice of the casing material. I think consumers see price first before they do the actual advancements in technology, especially given that smart watches are not Upgraded annually by the majority.

Well, Apple does sell the series 3 for $200? (confusing doing reverse price conversions from Sing$ to US$). I don’t know if Apple will go any lower in the future, but this feels like a pretty compelling price point.

 

[44267547]

Well, Apple does sell the series 3 for $200? (confusing doing reverse price conversions from Sing$ to US$). I don’t know if Apple will go any lower in the future, but this feels like a pretty compelling price point.

Yes, that’s correct. It’s ~$200 for the Series 3, but compelling for a smart watch that’s essentially almost 3 years old? Not sure about that part. And that price point is only for the GPS model, not the LTE/GPS variant.

 

[Abazigal]

Yes, that’s correct. It’s ~$200 for the Series 3, but compelling for a smart watch that’s essentially almost 3 years old? Not sure about that part. And that price point is only for the GPS model, not the LTE/GPS variant.

I estimate the average Apple watch user will hang on to their watch for 3-4 years before upgrading (due to long term software support and lack of any real resale value). Conversely, I am seeing a fairly high rate of failure amongst Fitbit devices. Quite a number of my friends and colleagues reportedly have to get them replaced at least once a year because they seem to spoil so easily.

Feels like when you break down the cost of an Apple Watch over multiple years (even if it’s the series 3 watch for another 2 years), its value proposition becomes even more compelling.

 

[44267547]

I estimate the average Apple watch user will hang on to their watch for 3-4 years before upgrading (due to long term software support and lack of any real resale value). Conversely, I am seeing a fairly high rate of failure amongst Fitbit devices. Quite a number of my friends and colleagues reportedly have to get them replaced at least once a year because they seem to spoil so easily.

Feels like when you break down the cost of an Apple Watch over multiple years (even if it’s the series 3 watch for another 2 years), its value proposition becomes even more compelling.

Sure, longevity with the Apple Watch is a given, especially with Apple hardware quality. But like I said before, smart watches are not upgraded annually for most consumers, it’s simply still a niche item that really executes the same task in terms of health measurements and notifications. But I do think we’re on the Plateau mark where the Apple Watch wall for some massive advantages in the next two years with Health advancements and then eventually I’m sure it will coincide with AR glasses. Plus, if you have AirPods, it also makes the Apple Watch a very diverse device in terms of controlling your music, etc.

 

[ConfluxNZ]

Why are people so keen to see Apple “own” the smart watch market? A lack of competing products simply means less choice for consumers and monopolistic, lazy behaviour and half baked innovation by companies.

For an example, look no further than Apple themselves, and their limp-dick “upgraded” S5  Watch that still uses the same processor as the S4 from almost 2 years ago. For another, see Canon and their long succession of cripple hammer camera updates, until Sony came along and blew them out of the water.

 

[tridley68]

I wish they would bring back the Gold edition for the upcoming series.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Why are people so keen to see Apple “own” the smart watch market? A lack of competing products simply means less choice for consumers and monopolistic, lazy behaviour and half baked innovation by companies.

For an example, look no further than Apple themselves, and their limp-dick “upgraded” S5  Watch that still uses the same processor as the S4 from almost 2 years ago. For another, see Canon and their long succession of cripple hammer camera updates, until Sony came along and blew them out of the water.

I have the S4 and I have seen no performance problems with the chip. It is as fast as the day I bought it. After all the significant changes in S4 like the ECG, new display, new haptic engine, and fall detection, I think the always on display and compass on the S5 is perfectly fine as a "s" year upgrade.

 

[phenste]

Why are people so keen to see Apple “own” the smart watch market? A lack of competing products simply means less choice for consumers and monopolistic, lazy behaviour and half baked innovation by companies.

I don’t think everyone is so keen to see Apple dominating as much as they are overwhelmingly satisfied by this product, which happens to be made by Apple. People have effectively forgotten about pre-AW smartwatches (oh people are gonna harp on me for saying that, “people” = general public that doesn’t spend more than 15 minutes reading about tech a week) because the AW blew them all out of the water—granted, not until Series 3 or so, when battery life really became all-day for most users and the price point became affordable. However, as a Series 0 launch-day owner currently on a Series 4, the product really is amazing.
They’ve done the same thing here that they did with the iPad: not only have they cornered the market, they’ve made their product synonymous with the entire category. People think tablets, an iPad immediately comes to mind. Now, people think smartwatches, an Apple Watch immediately comes to mind. It’s kinda incredible, honestly, but I welcome competition from other companies. Not here to downplay that.

For an example, look no further than Apple themselves, and their limp-dick “upgraded” S5  Watch that still uses the same processor as the S4 from almost 2 years ago. For another, see Canon and their long succession of cripple hammer camera updates, until Sony came along and blew them out of the water.

Yeah, the S5 wasn’t a huge upgrade, but…until we see the Series 6 (i.e. until we get a better idea of whether they’re really stagnating or if that was just an iterative update), do we really care? The S4 was and still is an amazingly functional product. Although, while I’m here, I’ll air out an actual frustration of mine with Apple: the fact that it’s either S3 or S5 on their website. As someone who has epilepsy and bought the S4 for its potentially life-saving fall detection, it upsets me greatly that people have to pay $600-700 for that feature when Apple could just as easily be producing the S4 still and sell it similarly priced to the S3.
Guess it goes to show you’re right as far as the S4 and S5 not being all too different.

 

[Abazigal]

Anyways, Neil Cybart has this to say with regards to this article.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1258354111893962752

https://twitter.com/x/status/1258354830306836480

https://twitter.com/x/status/1258357709218418689

https://twitter.com/x/status/1258358714098212864

Ouch.