Huawei Dethrones Apple: The New King of Smartwatches in Q2 2025
Published on: 3 days ago (Sep/01/2025)
Overview
Huawei has officially dethroned Apple to become the world’s top smartwatch brand in Q2 2025, capturing 21% market share with record growth.
Apple has worn the smartwatch crown for nearly a decade. But in Q2 2025, the unthinkable happened—Huawei snatched the throne and became the world’s top smartwatch brand.
This isn’t just another market shuffle—it’s a power shift that could reshape the entire wearable industry.
Who Rules the Smartwatch Kingdom Now?
According to Counterpoint Research, Huawei now leads with 21% global market share, while Apple slipped to 17%, marking its first fall from the top. Xiaomi, imoo, and Samsung round out the top five.
| Rank | Brand | Market Share | YoY Growth | Crown Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huawei | 21% | +52% | New King |
| 2 | Apple | 17% | -3% | Dethroned |
| 3 | Xiaomi | 9% | +22% | Rising Knight |
| 4 | imoo | 7% | +18% | Challenger |
| 5 | Samsung | 6% | -4% | Fading Guard |
The Crown Exchange: Q2 2024 → Q2 2025
Huawei’s meteoric rise (+52% YoY) was enough to dethrone Apple, who slipped despite the market itself growing 8%.
How Huawei Stole the Crown
Huawei’s win isn’t luck—it’s a calculated conquest.
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All Segments Covered: From budget bands to premium titanium smartwatches, Huawei plays everywhere.
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China as the Stronghold: Massive sales in its home turf.
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Global Expansion: Making inroads into Europe, Middle East & Asia.
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Affordable Innovation: Strong battery, health tracking & sleek design at competitive prices.
Apple, on the other hand, only plays in the premium segment—leaving the volume game wide open for Huawei.
Huawei’s Strengths vs Apple’s Weaknesses
| Huawei’s Winning Moves | Apple’s Struggles |
|---|---|
| Covers budget to premium | Limited to premium only |
| Stronghold in China & Asia | Weakening growth in key markets |
| +52% YoY growth | -3% YoY decline |
| Aggressive expansion globally | Expensive pricing strategy |
What’s Next in the Smartwatch Throne Room?
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Apple: Still the luxury king, but its one-size-fits-premium strategy is cracking.
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Huawei: Proves that versatility beats exclusivity.
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Samsung: With just 6%, it risks fading further unless it reinvents itself.
The global smartwatch market is expanding, but only the adaptable will keep their crowns.
Final Verdict: The New Ruler of the Wrist
Huawei’s 21% market share and explosive 52% growth have crowned it the new global leader in Q2 2025. Apple, once untouchable, has been dethroned—and the battle for the wrist will only get fiercer.
The crown has changed hands—Huawei wears it now. But can it keep the throne, or will Apple strike back in the next round?