Global smartwatch shipments declined 4% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, but Apple moved sharply against the market trend. Apple Watch shipments grew 14% during the quarter, lifting the company’s worldwide market share to 20.1%, according to Counterpoint Research.
The result puts Apple in second place globally, behind Huawei, which held a 21.8% share after recording 1% shipment growth. Counterpoint said Apple posted the strongest year-over-year performance among the five largest smartwatch vendors, with growth recorded across every region.
Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3, both introduced toward the end of 2025, accounted for more than 80% of Apple Watch shipments worldwide in Q2. China was a particular bright spot: Apple registered the fastest growth among the top five vendors there, a recovery from weaker results in the same quarter of 2025. A local consumer-electronics subsidy program also helped support smartwatch demand in the country.
Elsewhere in the top five, Imoo held a 7.8% share following a 3% shipment decline. Xiaomi’s share reached 6.1%, but its shipments fell 38%, while Garmin grew shipments 11% to take a 5.6% share.
Huawei’s narrow global lead remains heavily tied to its home market, with China accounting for roughly 80% of the company’s worldwide smartwatch shipments. Apple’s Q2 gain nevertheless brings it closer to the top position while the broader market contracts.
