Samsung Narrowing Gap With Apple Watch as Apple's Shipments Fall

[Thomas Davie]

I ended up buying a Galaxy Watch 3, although I would have preferred an Apple Watch. Simple reason is that the Apple watch battery life was unacceptable for me at or less than 24 hours. The GW3 has an average battery life of 4+ days and has gone as long as 7 (little app use and low energy always on watch face).

Tom

 

[u_int16]

I canceled my AW7 and instead got a Garmin Enduro Titanium on Oct. 20. Charged it fully. The charge lasted until yesterday on its first charge — 31 days.

After the re-charge, it shows 50 days of charge left.

I think I know why Garmin’s percent of market went up.

Wow thats impressive. Its definitely down to display technology and personal preference.

I wouldnt trade the “pretty” screen for 30 days of battery life; but its real tempting. I can definitely understand that decision.

I had this eink smart watch (pebble?) that had ages of battery. I definitely miss that on days where my watch pings me 10% battery left. Come on series 8; break the laws of physics and double the battery life.

 

[_Spinn_]

Apple pretty much owns the smartwatch market at this point. A little competition would be a good thing.

 

[mdekker]

Lot's of Apple bands around that are bought to match a black or silver watch. The 7 comes in neither of the two. Black has become blueish and silver is now a gold-kind of color. And then they try to sell the gold-kind nike version with a white and black band. Plain ugly.

 

[anthogag]

I would guess Android users are jealous iPhone users have the Watch and as soon as something comes along that looks half-ash they’re all over it.

I upgraded from Watch 6 to 7. It was worth it.

 

[GMacAppleUser]

This is true in terms of upgrading a previous Apple Watch to a newer Apple Watch. "I already have a 4, 5, or 6... so why should I buy an Apple Watch 7 ?"

But not everyone with an iPhone has an Apple Watch yet.

There are a billion iPhones out in the world... but only 100 million Apple Watches.

So only 1 in 10 iPhone users have an Apple Watch. There is still some growth opportunity. A lot actually.

Dog I had a series 3 im only replacing because I busted it playing tennis, if not for that I'd probably still be waiting

 

[ghanwani]

Looks like the novelty with Apple watches is wearing off. They have stayed flat despite a growing market.

 

[GtrDude]

This needs to happen with the ugly as mud iphones and the new hideous Macbooks.

Only when Apple sees that their 8 years behind the curve products start lacking in sales will the make changes.

Money is always the bottom line for them.

Then they'll of course show up in interviews and say they always listen to their users....mhmmm....

As to their iphones, I would like to see Apple:
1. redesign the notification center. It's ridiculous.

2. give us an LED visual for notifications in addition to sound and vibration. Allow us the change the colors of the LED based on what the notification app is.
The fine folks who like things the way they are can just turn any or all of this off and be constantly hitting the screen on their phones to see if there are any messages when the phone is on mute, much like we all have to do all day long the way it current is.

3. give us an always-on screen for the clock. On the always-on screen we should also be able to choose if we want to see if we have any notifications (the amount and the app) or if we to just want see the clock.
Once again, the people who don't like it should be able to turn it off. No more Apple forcing us to do stuff.

4. add haptic feedback to the keyboard, and make it possible to customize different intensities to your heart's content.
It's beyond crazy that you have no feedback whatsoever if you're typing and the phone is on mute. Those who are concerned with battery or simply don't like this should be able to turn it off.

5. make it possible to adjust volume for independent apps and settings and not this general thing they're doing. Separate volume control for keyboard volume, music volume, ring volume, system volume.
I, for example, would like the keyboard clicks to be much louder than they are but without it affecting the volume on the entire phone or the ring and notifications volume. It's silly of Apple to force it to be like this.

6. add suggestions from the address book as you start a phone number.
Common now Apple, this has been available for the last 15 years on Android.

7. make it possible to customize the texting app in every conceivable way. Font size, bubble size shape color etc.

8. make it possible to schedule a text message to be sent at a certain time/date. This is a basic feature. Compose your message now and schedule it to be sent when the time is right. I used to use this feature all the time when I had to text people who are in different time zones when they have to get the text at a certain time in their time zone but it's way too late for me to stay up to send the text.

9. use an OS-wide clipboard and make cut and/or copy not expire until you, the user, cleans it.
You should be able to copy text now and paste it tomorrow if you want to.
And 9b make it possible to copy multiple copy entries ready to paste any one of them by long pressing, at least the last 10 cut/copies should be possible.

10. in Mail give us the option to NOT go to the next email when you are deleting an email but to go back to the inbox. Those who want to keep things the way it is should be able to turn this feature off.

11. make it possible to move the icons on the desktop anywhere you want to.

 

[nfl46]

Heck, even the Series 4 is still good enough to wear nowadays. It’s sort of the same problem with the iPads. Yes, the newer ones are better but the old ones are just as snappy (2018 Pros and up).

 

[tbsteph1]

This study typifies how numbers can be manipulated to show whatever the author wants to demonstrate. AW sales down 10% from previous 3rd quarter is meaningless since the AW7 was available beginning 10/15/21. Thus, 0 sales in the 3rd quarter. This compares to the 3rd quarter of 2020 where the Apple Watch 6 was available on 9/17/20. Garbage in means garbage out.

 

[Kabeyun]

Just wait until the next quarter, soothsayers.

Only when Apple sees that their 8 years behind the curve products start lacking in sales will the make changes.

So you’re saying that Apple is currently selling too much stuff for them to realize that their stuff is no good. This could be one of the funniest things I’ve read on the internet.

 

[skaertus]

Apple Watch features I find handy:
1) Single lead cardiogram
2) Heart rate sensor
3) Walkie-talkie
4) Answer phone calls from your wrist
5) Find your phone easily
6) Tells the time, okay, a $12 watch does that
7) Large print date and day (that's a huge thing for me personally)
8) Turn by turn navigation when driving or walking
9) Taps my wrist when it needs attention (I tend not to keep my phone in my pocket)
10) Pay at the register or subway without taking my phone out
11) Pay at the register or subway when I forgot my phone (and wallet)
12) Timers - phone's clunky for that

Body fat estimations tend to be grossly wrong on scales and such, I doubt Samsung has figured out how to do it accurately from your wrist.

Yes, these are some features. But, apart from the health features, I suppose all the other ones can be done with a smartphone.

Of course, it is handy if you do not keep your phone in your pocket all the time. Still, it is pretty much a secondary device. Apple strongly advertises its health functions because that is basically what the Apple Watch does that the iPhone cannot. So, it is hard to justify paying $399 for it.

You may find it worth it, but that is your particular case. Many other people will buy the Apple Watch because of the features, because they are into Apple's ecosystem, or just because they find it cool. But, if you look at a larger scale, it should be very hard to convince a large chunk of the world population to spend $199 on a 4-year old smartwatch and $399 on a newer version that has new features, most of which any smartphone can perform. Other companies will eat into Apple's market share by offering lower prices.

 

[skaertus]

Imo, there is a certain price range where prices are elastic. A smart watch that I am going to have for obstenisibly for years, would $150 be a make or break decision, especially since the Apple Watch is an extension of your iPhone.

If you have an iPhone, then an Apple Watch seems like an obvious choice.

But it eventually comes down to price. If you have the iPhone 13 Pro Max, then it may make sense for you to buy the Apple Watch 7 to go along with it. But if you buy the iPhone SE because you cannot afford the high-end phones, paying even $199 for the Apple Watch 3 may sound like too much. And many people in developing countries cannot afford to have the latest and the greatest; so, if Apple does not offer a more affordable solution, these people will either refrain from buying a smartwatch or will buy it from someone else. As the market for smartwatches expands, Apple will lose market share if it does not provide additional options.

 

[e-coli]

Well you can tell exactly how many runners are out there just based on the Garmin stat. ?

 

[Yammabot]

I broke my series 2 for the last time and was rushed into a series 6 due to my exercise regime before I had a chance to look around. Wish I would have tried the Samsung at a third of the price before going back to the same old stuff. I really don’t see any difference between the 2 and 6. At least anything I will use. I saw the galaxy watch at Costco and was intrigued it seems to be a better device all around. I can’t wait to try one!

 

[I7guy]

If you have an iPhone, then an Apple Watch seems like an obvious choice.

But it eventually comes down to price. If you have the iPhone 13 Pro Max, then it may make sense for you to buy the Apple Watch 7 to go along with it. But if you buy the iPhone SE because you cannot afford the high-end phones, paying even $199 for the Apple Watch 3 may sound like too much. And many people in developing countries cannot afford to have the latest and the greatest; so, if Apple does not offer a more affordable solution, these people will either refrain from buying a smartwatch or will buy it from someone else. As the market for smartwatches expands, Apple will lose market share if it does not provide additional options.

Said another way, apple is still the top vendor for smart watch sales even though there are cheaper alternatives.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

This is true in terms of upgrading a previous Apple Watch to a newer Apple Watch. "I already have a 4, 5, or 6... so why should I buy an Apple Watch 7 ?"

But not everyone with an iPhone has an Apple Watch yet.

There are a billion iPhones out in the world... but only 100 million Apple Watches.

So only 1 in 10 iPhone users have an Apple Watch. There is still some growth opportunity. A lot actually.

Many of us iPhone users have zero interest in a smart watch. I simply can't see a single compelling use case. I have a surf watch, which I only wear if I'm going for a surf just before work, so actually have to be out of the water in time. And I have a dress watch (which was a gift) which I rarely bother, or even remember, to put on. I have my iPhone in my pocket wherever I go out. What on earth am I supposed to do with an Apple Watch? Check if I've received a message every 5 freaking seconds of my life?

 

[Michael Scrip]

Many of us iPhone users have zero interest in a smart watch. I simply can't see a single compelling use case. I have a surf watch, which I only wear if I'm going for a surf just before work, so actually have to be out of the water in time. And I have a dress watch (which was a gift) which I rarely bother, or even remember, to put on. I have my iPhone in my pocket wherever I go out. What on earth am I supposed to do with an Apple Watch? Check if I've received a message every 5 freaking seconds of my life?

True... but I guess you could say the same for any other smartwatch too:

"I can't see a compelling case for a Samsung or Amazfit(?) smartwatch..."

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

Apple is still way too high up there. Garmin Fenix is goat.

Damn, they look good!

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

It looks like the brand Others is sweeping the floor with Apple.

Yeah, that has me curious. What on earth are the Others consisting of? It's a huge percentage!

 

[tranceme]

Apple’s “problem” is two-fold

1. Their watches are so good, you can keep them for many years and be quite happy with them. Only reason to upgrade involves compelling must have new features.

2. The series 7 does not have compelling must have new features…

You are dead on correct. This data does not tell the whole story. I can't remember the last time I have seen Samsung watch on someone. Not they suck. Just saying that Apple Watches are everywhere.

 

[urnotl33t]

This needs to happen with the ugly as mud iphones and the new hideous Macbooks.

Only when Apple sees that their 8 years behind the curve products start lacking in sales will the make changes.

Money is always the bottom line for them.

Then they'll of course show up in interviews and say they always listen to their users....mhmmm....

As to their iphones, I would like to see Apple:
1. redesign the notification center. It's ridiculous.

2. give us an LED visual for notifications in addition to sound and vibration. Allow us the change the colors of the LED based on what the notification app is.
The fine folks who like things the way they are can just turn any or all of this off and be constantly hitting the screen on their phones to see if there are any messages when the phone is on mute, much like we all have to do all day long the way it current is.

3. give us an always-on screen for the clock. On the always-on screen we should also be able to choose if we want to see if we have any notifications (the amount and the app) or if we to just want see the clock.
Once again, the people who don't like it should be able to turn it off. No more Apple forcing us to do stuff.

4. add haptic feedback to the keyboard, and make it possible to customize different intensities to your heart's content.
It's beyond crazy that you have no feedback whatsoever if you're typing and the phone is on mute. Those who are concerned with battery or simply don't like this should be able to turn it off.

5. make it possible to adjust volume for independent apps and settings and not this general thing they're doing. Separate volume control for keyboard volume, music volume, ring volume, system volume.
I, for example, would like the keyboard clicks to be much louder than they are but without it affecting the volume on the entire phone or the ring and notifications volume. It's silly of Apple to force it to be like this.

6. add suggestions from the address book as you start a phone number.
Common now Apple, this has been available for the last 15 years on Android.

7. make it possible to customize the texting app in every conceivable way. Font size, bubble size shape color etc.

8. make it possible to schedule a text message to be sent at a certain time/date. This is a basic feature. Compose your message now and schedule it to be sent when the time is right. I used to use this feature all the time when I had to text people who are in different time zones when they have to get the text at a certain time in their time zone but it's way too late for me to stay up to send the text.

9. use an OS-wide clipboard and make cut and/or copy not expire until you, the user, cleans it.
You should be able to copy text now and paste it tomorrow if you want to.
And 9b make it possible to copy multiple copy entries ready to paste any one of them by long pressing, at least the last 10 cut/copies should be possible.

10. in Mail give us the option to NOT go to the next email when you are deleting an email but to go back to the inbox. Those who want to keep things the way it is should be able to turn this feature off.

11. make it possible to move the icons on the desktop anywhere you want to.

#2 is already there. Settings, accessibility, Audio/Visual, Flash LED for alerts.

#5 .. been this way since iOS 7 or 8+, iirc

#6 messages does this. Or you mean phone? Use the contacts button on the bottom of phone app. Type a number, and it does. Or just tell Siri to "call Pizza Hut".

#8 they thought about this and other similar things. They found many social issues with the usage and effectiveness of it. They actually do spitball and test these kinds of things, even if it's not headline news.

#9 it is system wide. And 9b is way too complex and confusing. Not gonna happen. Perhaps you should be using the Notes app. Use the tools you have.

#10 also could be a negative impact to usability and productivity. Perhaps they tested this, too, and decided it was a poor experience.

#11 it's an iPhone, not an IMAX screen. The new Home Screen app widget thingies should help somewhat.


To everyone else here: Sorry for feeding the troll. I know, I know...

 

[urnotl33t]

True... but I guess you could say the same for any other smartwatch too:

"I can't see a compelling case for a Samsung or Amazfit(?) smartwatch..."

Yeah I get your point. I had similar thoughts as well. One small thing that's an easy miss, however, is the "social" impact. Next time you're at a gala or party, sit back on the wall and scan the crowd.

Notice those who do pull out their phones for some quick check (a message, a missed call, Candy Crush). Then notice those who do the similar on their watch. Especially for those who are engaged in a conversation or some group chat (yeah people still do those IRL; hah).

Compare the length of time for the phone versus the watch. Yes, it is mere seconds, but then notice the "break" of attention or eye contact during that time. The person with the phone has a much longer and impactful break of attention versus the watch. Occasionally, you may notice the person with the phone even say "I'm sorry, blah blah ex-wife's boyfriend's mom blah blah.." or maybe "wait what did you say? Get me caught up"... and maybe, just maybe, you'll see the other person's facial expression change "oh so that's more important...", or whatever.

Yes this is contrived and certainly nearing "extreme", BUT there IS the slightest social impact difference. The person with the watch can be faster, barely break flow, and recover the attention, or perhaps not even miss a beat.

Yes you can argue, "but that's still not worth it to me"...yeah I understand. Not saying the watch is for you, but for others it certainly can improve social behaviors.

Heck, even a flash and flurry of an Apple Watch and sexy band would strike up another conversation for that those two folks who are already flirting a little.. ?

 

[pianostar9]

[redacted]

 

[falainber]

I would guess Android users are jealous iPhone users have the Watch and as soon as something comes along that looks half-ash they’re all over it.

I upgraded from Watch 6 to 7. It was worth it.

Samsung watch has more features than iPhone.