Archive — US — techcrunch
Apple Watch shipments surge in India
In 2024, Apple Watch shipments in India surged by 141%, defying a broader smartwatch market decline of 30%. This growth reflects a shift of consumers towards advanced smartwatches for features like better health insights. Apple now holds significant influence in India's premium smartwatch segment, commanding a 50% share, while the overall market struggles with increased competition from lesser-known brands.
Key points
- Overall smartwatch shipments in India fell by 30% year-on-year in 2024.
- Apple Watch experienced a 141% increase in shipments, contrasting with a 57% decline in 2023.
- The surge in Apple Watch sales is attributed to users seeking advanced features absent in cheaper brands.
- Apple's growing market share in the smartphone segment (10% in Q4 2024) parallels the growth of the Apple Watch.
- The Apple Watch holds about 2% of the total smartwatch market, but captures 50% of the premium smartwatch segment, valued over $230.
- Top models include the Series 10 and Series 9, with competitors Samsung and OnePlus holding smaller shares in the premium segment.
Why it matters
- The increase in smartwatch adoption aligns with the rise of health-tracking technology trends observed in 2025.
- Apple's strategy leverages its ecosystem of devices (iPhone, Apple Watch) to foster more integrated user experiences, reflecting wider trends towards interconnected devices.
- Consumer preference is shifting towards trusted brands amid market saturation by cheap alternatives, impacting innovation in the smartwatch space.
Apple's strong performance in India's smartwatch market indicates a shift towards premium offerings among consumers, contrasting with the decline in shipments across cheaper brands, highlighting an evolving landscape in wearable technology.