realme is set to launch the realme Buds Air8 Pro and realme Watch S5 on 22 May 2026, expanding its AIoT ecosystem strategy aimed at delivering seamless multi-device connectivity for Indian consumers. The launches come as India's wearable market hits record scale and buyer expectations shift sharply toward integrated, premium experiences.

India's Wearable Market: The Backdrop

According to an IDC report, India's wearable device market recorded 119 million shipments in 2024, with TWS earbuds accounting for 70.9% of the earwear segment. Simultaneously, research from Counterpoint Research indicates Indian consumers are buying fewer but better devices — the premium smartwatch segment (₹15,000+) posted 16% year-on-year growth even as the broader category contracted. The emerging challenge, according to realme, is not device access but inter-device friction: interrupted transitions, manual controls, and disconnected experiences that slow users down.

realme Buds Air8 Pro: Key Features

The realme Buds Air8 Pro targets users who move continuously between environments — metro commutes, cafés, airports, and workspaces. The earbuds feature 55dB Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation that automatically adjusts to ambient noise levels without manual intervention. A Triple-Mic AI Calling system is designed to improve voice clarity during calls in noisy surroundings.

On audio performance, the Buds Air8 Pro uses an 11mm + 6mm dual-driver setup, supports LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res Wireless Audio, and covers a 20Hz–40kHz frequency response range. A Transparency Mode allows users to stay aware of surroundings when needed. The earbuds offer up to 50 hours of total playback with fast charging support.

realme Watch S5: Endurance and Health Tracking

The realme Watch S5 is positioned to address battery anxiety — one of the most cited pain points in the smartwatch category. It features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with high peak brightness for outdoor visibility, and a 460mAh battery rated for up to 20 days of usage on a single charge.

The Watch S5 supports Independent GPS across five satellite systems, enabling accurate outdoor tracking without a smartphone connection. Health features include 110+ sports modes, continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep analysis, stress monitoring, Single Tap Health Measurement, and 5ATM water resistance.

Made in India, Ecosystem-First Strategy

Both devices are manufactured in India, reinforcing realme's stated commitment to localised production. The launches are part of a broader AIoT vision where devices are designed to interconnect — reducing friction across daily interactions rather than functioning as standalone hardware. As demand for features like Adaptive ANC, Hi-Res wireless audio, and advanced health tracking continues to rise, realme is positioning ecosystem integration as a competitive differentiator alongside hardware specifications.

With the 22 May 2026 launch, realme moves to deepen its AIoT footprint in a market where the value of connected technology increasingly depends on how effortlessly devices work together.