Huawei Retains Global Wrist-Worn Device Market Leadership in H1 2026 With 20% Share, IDC Report Shows

Huawei continues to lead the global wrist-worn device market, according to the latest IDC market report published September 8. The Chinese tech giant shipped 9.5 million wrist-worn devices in Q1 2026 alone, capturing a 20.2% share of the global market — maintaining the top spot it has held since 2024.

Key Findings

• Q1 2026 shipments: 9.5 million units at 20.2% market share
• H1 2026 position: Sustained leadership across both quarters with over 20% share
• China dominance: #1 by shipment volume in China's domestic wrist-worn market every year since 2021
• Global ranking: Top position in global wrist-worn market multiple times since 2024

What's Driving Huawei's Lead

IDC attributed Huawei's sustained leadership to its product iteration strategy spanning multiple price points and functional categories. In H1 2026, Huawei launched the Watch D3 with medical-grade blood pressure monitoring, the Watch GT 7 series (€299, 21-day battery), and the Watch 6 mainstream lineup — covering health-focused, sports, and everyday use cases.

Competitive Context

Garmin tied Samsung at 15% market share in Q2 2026, while Apple's share faces pressure ahead of tomorrow's Apple Watch Series 12 launch. Huawei's trade restrictions in the US limit its reach in the world's most valuable wearable market, but its dominance in China, Europe, and the Middle East more than compensates.

What Buyers Should Know

Huawei's global market leadership reflects genuine product strength, but US buyers have limited access to its latest devices due to ongoing trade restrictions. For US shoppers, the fall 2026 smartwatch landscape is dominated by Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Garmin. European buyers have access to the full Huawei lineup and should consider the Watch D3 ($540) for medical-grade blood pressure tracking or the Watch GT 7 (€299) for exceptional battery life. Compare all options in our smartwatch guide.