14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has become the world’s number one wearable manufacturer thanks to the third-generation Apple Watch, according to new data provided by Canalys.
The Cupertino-based tech giant’s Apple Watch accounted for 23 percent of the 17.3 million wearables shipped during the third quarter of the year, which means the company sold no less than 3.9 million units during the quarter. Canalys claims the Apple Watch Series 3 alone reached sales of no less than 800,000 units, and shipments would have been higher if it weren’t for limited supply.
Xiaomi is the runner-up company in Q3, as it shipped 21 percent of all wearables during the quarter, thus losing the leading spot that it gained in Q2. Fitbit was only third with a 20 percent sales share.
“Despite strong shipments, the Apple Watch Series 3 did not reach its full potential in Q3. It suffered limited availability as demand outstripped supply in major markets. Service providers had underestimated demand for the new Apple Watch,” Canalys says.
Bigger sales in next quarter
The market analyst firm says the top smartphone manufacturers are trying to sell smartwatches as companion devices for phones, but Apple seems by far more successful in terms of sales performance.
Apple sells 1 smartwatch for every 7 iPhone 7 and 8 smartphones shipped, while Samsung is far behind with just 1 smartwatch for every 23 flagships sold. Huawei is somewhere in between with a ratio of 1 watch to 14 smartphones.
“Apple and Samsung are increasing user stickiness and brand loyalty by adopting an ecosystem strategy, which includes wearables and audio accessories. Smartphone vendors must reevaluate their respective smartwatch strategies to derive more value beyond smartphone growth,” said Canalys Research Analyst Mo Jia.
The next quarter should bring even bigger sales for Apple, as the company is expected to finally address supply issues with the Apple Watch Series 3. All wearables, however, are likely to increase growth given the holiday season.
