Overview
- Counterpoint Research’s Q1 2026 data, reported June 18, show global smartwatch shipments rose about 4% year over year, driven largely by Apple’s refreshed lineup and demand in North America, China and Europe.
- Apple posted roughly 21% shipment growth in the quarter and captured about 23% of global smartwatch shipments, with North America supplying more than half of its volume.
- Samsung’s Galaxy Watch shipments fell about 28% year over year in Q1 2026, cutting the company’s global share from roughly 7% to 5% and leaving Samsung preparing a new Watch 9–series release this summer as a response reported by outlets.
- Chinese brands including Huawei, Xiaomi and niche maker imoo expanded volumes in Q1 2026, a rise that Counterpoint and reporters link in part to government subsidy programs supporting domestic demand.
- Industry analysts say average selling prices rose about 6% as makers add advanced sensors, AI and health monitoring, and they warn memory shortages and macroeconomic pressure could mildly constrain growth for the rest of 2026 while premium margins may limit the hit.