The report
shows Xiaomi shipping 8M smartwatches during Q2, against 7.9M Apple Watches …
Timing is
clearly a significant factor here, with Canalys noting that Xiaomi launched a
new model during the quarter, while Apple Watch fans await the launch of the
Series 7 later this month.
Xiaomi
overtook Apple to become the top-shipping wearable band vendor in Q2 2021.
Xiaomi’s performance was bolstered by the launch of the Mi Smart Band 6,
despite India, one of Xiaomi’s strongholds, not on the initial global launch
list.
“Xiaomi
made a wise move to hasten the release of the Mi Band 6, which is a more
compelling device than its predecessor,” said Canalys Research Analyst Cynthia
Chen. “Xiaomi’s quick pivot to basic watches also helped the company boost its
wristwatch shipments by 1.3 million units this quarter.”
However,
Canalys goes on to then separate what it calls “basic bands” like low-end
Fitbit and Xiaomi models from more sophisticated smartwatches. Apple continues
to lead the latter market, with a 31.1% market share – with no other brand
coming anywhere close.
All other
players have single-digit shares, from second-placed Huawei’s 9% down to
Xiaomi’s 5.7%.
Apple’s
lead is likely due in part to its focus on health features, like ECG
monitoring.
“Vendors
are attempting to make a big generational leap in smartwatch technologies. To
stand out, they are improving the fundamentals, such as user experience and
battery life, creating their own distinct UIs and leveraging their respective
ecosystems to draw out new and unique use cases,” said Canalys Research Manager
Jason Low.
“But health
tracking is the most prominent use case for smartwatches. The ability to
deliver cutting-edge health-tracking features and to offer users meaningful
data and actionable health insights will set winners and losers apart.”
“It is vital that vendors invest in next-generation health sensors and developing in-house algorithms and solutions to not only track vital biomarkers, but also to ensure good accuracy and reliability.
Vendors should
focus on giving users insights into health trends involving data collected over
a longer period of time, so that they can understand how their lifestyles are
affecting their wellbeing.”
The Series 7 is not expected to add any more sensors, despite one report to the contrary, but Apple is believed to be planning to offer both blood sugar and blood pressure measurement at some point in the future.
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