New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) In 2025, global shipments of smartwatches saw a 4 percent increase compared to the previous year, marking a recovery from a downturn in 2024, as outlined in a recent report released on Wednesday.

Apple experienced its first year-on-year growth in shipments since 2022, driven by a significant refresh of its smartwatch lineup, according to Counterpoint Research’s ‘Global Smartwatch Shipments Tracker.’

This market resurgence can be attributed to a transformation in the competitive environment, characterized by hardware and software advancements from leading brands, as well as consumers' growing preference for more technologically sophisticated smartwatches. An emphasis on health features across the industry also played a crucial role in this recovery.

China emerged as a key player in this global rebound, showcasing a strong demand for prominent domestic brands, the report indicated.

“Apple recorded its first YoY shipment growth since 2022, a result of a comprehensive portfolio update that included the Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3,” noted senior research analyst Anshika Jain.

With these new offerings, Apple catered to a diverse consumer audience, ranging from the budget-friendly Watch SE 3 to the high-end Watch Ultra 3.

“Moreover, the lineup received substantial technological enhancements, such as the introduction of 5G Redcap support, hypertension notifications, and satellite connectivity in the Watch Ultra 3. Consequently, consumers who had postponed purchases in anticipation of a significantly upgraded smartwatch finally found appealing options,” Jain added.

The smartwatch market maintained its trend towards premiumization in 2025, with the average selling price (ASP) rising by 5 percent year-on-year.

As health and fitness awareness escalates, consumers are increasingly opting for higher-priced, feature-rich devices.

Associate Director David Naranjo highlighted that “shipments of smartwatches equipped with cellular connectivity surged by 6 percent year-on-year.”

This growth in cellular-enabled models was bolstered by advanced health monitoring features and emergency SOS functionalities, making such devices more appealing to mainstream users. Apple capitalized on this momentum with its updated lineup, including the Watch Series 10. Xiaomi also expanded its cellular offerings with the Redmi Watch 5 LTE and Redmi Kids Watch.

“The introduction of 5G support in Apple’s Watch Series 11 is anticipated to accelerate the overall adoption of 5G technology in the industry. By 2025, connectivity will not just be confined to cellular technology; brands like Google, Garmin, and Apple are also prioritizing satellite connectivity, underscoring the industry's shift towards developing standalone smartwatches,” Naranjo concluded.