IDC: Global Smartwatch Shipments Hit 37 Million Units in Q1 2026 as Fitness Wristbands Decline

IDC's Q1 2026 Wearable Device Market Report, released June 11, shows the smartwatch market continues to grow while basic fitness trackers fade — a clear signal for buyers weighing their next wearable purchase.

Key Numbers

• 37.03 million smartwatches shipped in Q1 2026, up 4.8% year-over-year
• Total wrist-worn devices: 47.05 million units shipped, combining smartwatches and fitness bands
• Fitness wristbands declined 6.1% to 10.02 million units — the category continues to shrink as smartwatches absorb its use cases
• Full-year 2026 outlook: IDC projects total wearable shipments growing just 2.2%, constrained by memory-related supply issues pushing average selling prices higher

Why Fitness Bands Are Losing

IDC analysts note the wristband isn't losing share because consumers lost interest in health tracking — it's because the engineering that once made bands the cheaper option is now standard in devices that do considerably more. A $299 Apple Watch Series 11 or $247 Pixel Watch 3 now includes the same heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking that justified a standalone band, plus GPS, apps, and notifications.

What This Means for Buyers

If you're still using a fitness band, the data says it's time to upgrade — smartwatch prices have dropped enough that the value gap has evaporated. With Galaxy Watch 9 launching July 25 and Apple Watch Series 12 in September, current models will see further discounts. Compare options in our smartwatch guide.