Seeing Apple crush its rivals in yet another global smartwatch shipment report shouldn't surprise anyone with a minimal knowledge of wearable industry trends, but believe it or not, the latest report compiled by Counterpoint Research has the ancient Apple Watch Series 1 in the lead when it comes to the world’s best-selling models.
Powered by a dual-core S1 processor rather than the speedier W2 chip inside the newer Series 3, as well as lacking a standalone cellular connectivity option, the Series 1 is obviously more affordable while looking extremely similar on the outside as the latest Apple Watch generation.
That’s certainly not good news for Cupertino’s bottom line, as the thriving popularity of the cheaper iOS-compatible smartwatch brings the entire family’s ASP (average selling price) and profit margins down.
The name of the second best-selling smartwatch during Q2 2018 is perhaps even more surprising, as the Fitbit Versa is deemed a “huge success.” We had no idea that was the case following the not-so-successful Ionic, which ranked fifth between April and June, according to Counterpoint’s estimates, right behind the Apple Watch Series 3.
That left the ultra-low-cost Amazfit Bip in third place, and if this is the first time you’re hearing about that particular device, worry not, as its popularity largely derives from China. In terms of manufacturers, Fitbit managed to impressively boost its market share year-on-year, from 8 percent back in Q2 2017 to a 21 percent slice of the pie now, which is “only” 20 percentage points behind Apple’s shrinking but still comfortably dominant share.
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Fossil and Amazfit are practically tied on the final spot of the podium, with Garmin in fourth place, and Samsung ranked a disappointing fifth, at a microscopic 2 percent share. As far as software platforms go, a whopping 50 percent of smartwatches sold globally during Q2 2018 run some sort of a proprietary OS, followed by 41 percent Apple Watches, and a modest 7 percent Android Wear Wear OS devices.
Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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