Samsung’s smartwatch shipments saw a sharp decline of 18% year-over-year in Q1 2025, the steepest drop among major smartwatch makers. This contrasts with a 2% overall market decrease and a 9% decline for Apple. Chinese brands like Huawei and Xiaomi, however, experienced significant growth, with a 53% increase in shipments.
Samsung may need to rely on its upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series to boost its market performance. These next-gen smartwatches are expected to feature advanced health monitoring sensors and enhanced health functionalities. The company has hinted at potential innovations, such as non-invasive glucose monitoring, which could become a standout feature if introduced successfully.
Samsung’s next-gen smartwatch innovations
Counterpoint Research attributes part of the slowdown in Samsung’s shipments to the performance of its earlier-generation watches. China as a whole saw a 37% boost in Q1 shipments, followed by a 24% increase in Latin America.
The smartwatch market is expected to recover modestly throughout the rest of 2025. Anshika Jain, a senior research analyst at Counterpoint, anticipates a growth rate of approximately 3%, driven by innovations in AI and next-generation health sensors. Samsung’s upcoming launch event, Unpacked, is set for July 9, where more detailed information about the Galaxy Watch 8 series and other new products, including foldable devices, will be unveiled.
This launch could be pivotal for Samsung, providing an opportunity to recapture market share through compelling new features and technological advancements.
Kirstie a technology news reporter at DevX. She reports on emerging technologies and startups waiting to skyrocket.
