Wrist-worn devices see explosive growth in China in Q1 2025

The global market for wrist-worn devices is gaining steady momentum again, and much of that push is coming from China. What used to be a niche category of step trackers and notification screens is now becoming a core part of daily life for millions, and increasingly, a tool for health and wellness. The shift is visible not just in the numbers, but in how brands and governments are investing in this space.

According to IDC’s latest data, the global wrist-worn device market shipped 45.6 million units in the first quarter of 2025, a 10.5% increase over the same period last year.

Several regions contributed to the growth, including the U.S., Western Europe, Latin America, and much of Asia/Pacific—but China stood out with a significant 37.6% year-over-year jump, driven largely by government subsidies and growing public interest in health-focused features.

In China, wearables are increasingly tied to broader public health goals. The government’s new “Healthy Weight Management Action” campaign, launched in April, marks a three-year effort to reduce obesity and encourage healthier habits nationwide. That policy shift, combined with continued subsidies, helped push Q1 smartwatch shipments up 52.9% and wristbands up 67.9%. April alone saw shipment growth across both categories continue at over 50%.

Globally, smartwatches continue to lead the global market, with 34.8 million units shipped in Q1, a modest but meaningful 4.8% increase. Wristbands, however, saw faster growth—up 34% globally, and nearly 68% in China alone. That kind of rise points to a growing segment of consumers looking for simple, affordable devices that deliver value, especially when it comes to health tracking.

Huawei remained the top player, anchored by its continued dominance in China. The global release of its Band 10 and expansion into more premium smartwatches also bolstered sales. Xiaomi, another Chinese giant, also posted strong gains, particularly in China and Latin America, with its budget-friendly devices gaining traction. Apple had its best wrist-worn growth since 2023, helped by tariff-related stockpiling in the U.S. and increased competitiveness in China. Garmin returned to the global top five by widening its appeal, while Samsung saw a slight dip under pressure from rivals.

IDC expects that China’s adult wrist-worn device shipments will reach 58.5 million units by the end of 2025, up 36.9% from last year. The five-year compound annual growth rate is projected at 8.5%, suggesting this isn’t a temporary spike, but a broader trend.

With China’s continued momentum, this could be the key factor sustaining global growth through the rest of the year, helping shape what that rebound looks like and where it goes next.