Xiaomi is back on top.
According to new data from Canalys, the Chinese tech brand shipped 8.7 million wearable bands in Q1 2025, overtaking Apple for the first time in nearly four years. Apple came in second with 7.6 million units, followed by Huawei, Samsung, and Garmin.
The overall wearable band market grew 13% year-over-year, hitting 46.6 million units. But it’s Xiaomi that made the loudest move—with a 44% jump in shipments compared to Q1 last year.
For everyday users, it means smartwatches and fitness bands are no longer just status symbols.
Xiaomi’s budget-friendly, feature-rich bands like the Redmi Band 5 are now mainstream picks, especially in price-sensitive regions like India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
In a world where inflation is stretching wallets and tech fatigue is real, Xiaomi’s wearables offer real value: health tracking, fitness modes, and smart home sync—all at a fraction of Apple Watch prices.
What’s driving Xiaomi’s rise?
Xiaomi’s comeback is built on two smart bets:
- HyperOS, its unified platform that connects phones, wearables, and home devices.
- Affordable product range that doesn’t feel “cheap.”
This mix of ecosystem intelligence and low pricing has clicked, especially in emerging markets where people want more bang for their buck, not just shiny logos.
Apple, on the other hand, has played it safe. Its Watch lineup saw just 5% growth this quarter, and analysts say the brand’s wearable strategy feels… stale.
Yes, there’s buzz about a major refresh for the Watch’s 10th anniversary later this year. But right now? Xiaomi’s eating Apple’s lunch.
And what about the rest?
- Huawei landed in third place with 7.1 million units, thanks to strong GT and Fit watch sales.
- Samsung surged 74% year-on-year by offering cheaper fitness bands and premium Galaxy Watches.
- Garmin held its niche with 1.8 million units—slow and steady in the fitness-first crowd.
What’s the takeaway?
The wearable war is shifting.
Once a two-horse race between Apple and Samsung, it’s now a battle between ecosystem thinkers like Xiaomi and legacy giants trying to keep pace.
And while Apple may still own the high-end smartwatch crown, it’s Xiaomi’s clever mix of price, practicality, and platform that’s winning wrists in 2025.
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