⌚ China’s new 'wearable economy'
No, it's not a lipstick. It's on your wrist.
This year, China’s hottest little luxury isn’t a lipstick or a handbag. It’s the wearable on your wrist.
Shipments of smart bands and watches hit a record 33.9 million units in the first half of 2025, up 36% from last year. That’s the lipstick effect playing out in real time: when big-ticket buys like laptops or phones feel risky, people turn to smaller treats that still feel like upgrades.
Huawei and Xiaomi have successfully navigated this market niche. Each moved well over 10 million units in six months, something no company had ever done, by selling more than hardware. Huawei packaged health as a lifestyle, while Xiaomi turned budget bands into fashion. Together, they now command nearly 70% of the market, as the Techloy chart shows.
It’s a reminder that even in tough times, we don’t stop spending; we just choose different things to spend on.
Until the next one,
— Kelechi
Profiting From Social Media with AI Videos Can Be Easier Than Ever
LEARN MORE📰 News & Insights
📱 TikTok will live to see another dance challenge in the U.S.
Why it matters: A new deal allows TikTok to continue operating in the U.S., ending the threat of a ban and extending the deadline for its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest from the platform.
💻 Groceries, gas, and rent are taking priority over laptops in the U.S.
What it means: American households are waiting until their PCs fail outright before buying new ones, putting pressure on vendors hoping for a Windows 11-driven refresh cycle.
💼 Fiverr lays off 30% of staff as it pivots to an AI-first future and seeks to speed up operations.
👩🏽🎤 AI artist Xania Monet signs a multimillion-dollar record deal and climbs the Billboard charts.
📡 Starlink crosses 7 million global subscribers, driven by demand in developing regions.
