5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Apple, Xiaomi Overtake FitBit to Lead Wearables Market in 1Q

By Diana Goovaerts | June 5, 2017

FitBit finally toppled from its first place position in the wearables market, overtaken by Apple and Xiaomi as its shipments faltered and dropped nearly forty percent year over year, new data from International Data Corporation (IDC) indicates.

IDC data shows FitBit’s drop to the number three slot came as shipments plunged 37.7 percent in the first quarter from 4.9 million in 2016 to 3 million this year. Xiaomi, which had been sitting in second place behind FitBit, also saw shipments drop 3.3 percent. But Xiaomi’s 3.6 million shipments and 14.7 percent market share kept it just ahead of third-place contender Apple, which grew shipments 64.1 percent year over year to hit 3.6 million. That boost came courtesy of continued strong demand for Apple’s Watches nearly two quarters after the Series 1 and Series 2 versions launched to the market, the firm noted.

Samsung trailed Fitbit in fourth place with 1.4 million shipments, while Garmin slid into fifth with 1.1 million shipments. Other wearables providers shipped a combined 11.9 million units in the first quarter, the firm said.

“Fitbit finds itself in the midst of a transformation as user tastes evolve from fitness bands to watches and other products,” Ramon Llamas, research manager for IDC’s Wearables team, observed. “This allowed Xiaomi to throttle up on its inexpensive devices within the China market and for Apple to leverage its position as the leading smartwatch provider worldwide. Now that Xiaomi and Apple have supplanted Fitbit, the next question is whether they will be able to maintain their position.”

Llamas added the latter will be a tough task given FitBit’s 50 million strong user base and prominent position in corporate wellness initiatives.

IDC Mobile Device Trackers Senior Research Analyst Jitesh Ubrani also pointed out the wearables market is ripe for a move into the second phase of product development – that is, a shift away from getting people used to the idea of wearables and an increased focus on putting all the data collected by wearable to good use.

“This is when step counts translate into healthier hearts and minds,” Ubrani commented. “It’s also when we will start to see devices that actually augment our abilities and make our lives easier or more productive rather than just being another screen we keep an eye on.”


Filed Under: Devices

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

High-directivity couplers optimized for 225 – 750 MHz applications
Integrated into IoT devices, iSIM poised to make inroads
Triple-radio and multiprotocol MCUs add application processors
5G vectors
How RedCap fits into 5G and IoT

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World