Xiaomi reclaimed its position as the leading vendor in the wearable band market during the first quarter of 2025, following the launch of refreshed Mi Band and Redmi Watch models earlier this year. According to a Canalys report, the Beijing-based tech giant surpassed Apple, driven by a remarkable 44 percent year-over-year growth in shipments. Other notable players in the market included Huawei, Samsung, and Garmin, who secured third, fourth, and fifth places respectively. The surge in Xiaomi’s sales highlights its growing appeal among consumers seeking affordable and feature-rich wearable devices.
The Canalys Wearable Band Analysis report further revealed that global shipments of wearable bands reached 46.6 million units in Q1 2025, marking a 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Basic wearables, known for their simplicity and affordability, led the growth, with Xiaomi shipping the highest volume thanks to its new releases: the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and Redmi Band 5. The Redmi Band 5, in particular, emerged as Xiaomi’s best-selling device, helping to secure its top spot in the market. Apple and Huawei followed closely behind, holding the second and third positions.
Apple’s market share in the wearable band segment stood at 16 percent during Q1, and Canalys predicts that this figure will rise in the latter half of 2025. This optimism is fueled by the upcoming launch of Apple’s 10th-anniversary smartwatch, which is expected to attract significant consumer interest. Meanwhile, Huawei experienced a solid 36 percent growth in shipments year-on-year, reaching 7.1 million units. This growth was largely driven by the strong performance of Huawei’s Fit and GT wearable series.
The Canalys study also shed light on consumer preferences in the smartwatch market, highlighting affordability, long battery life, and robust health tracking features as the top priorities for buyers. These factors are shaping the competitive landscape as manufacturers race to deliver devices that balance cost, functionality, and user experience. Xiaomi’s recent success demonstrates how aligning product offerings with these consumer demands can lead to substantial market gains.
