In 2024, Apple faced a 19% decline in smartwatch shipments, according to Counterpoint Research. The decline affected all regions except India, with North America, traditionally a key market, experiencing significant drops. This marked the fifth consecutive quarter of falling Apple Watch shipments. Contributing factors included the absence of a new Apple Watch SE model and minimal upgrades in the Watch Series 10. In contrast, competitors saw increased shipments. Upcoming releases, such as the next-generation Watch SE and an updated Watch Ultra 3, may help Apple recover in the smartwatch market moving forward.
While 2024 proved to be a successful year for Apple in the smartphone sector, its smartwatch shipments did not follow suit. According to a report from Counterpoint Research, Apple Watch shipments fell by 19% in 2024. The report indicates a decline in demand for its smartwatches across all regions, with India being the sole exception.
Counterpoint Research Global Smartwatch Shipment Tracker (Q4 2024)
North America, which has long been a critical growth area for Cupertino, experienced a noticeable decline. Moreover, Q4 2024 marked the fifth consecutive quarter of reduced Apple Watch shipments. Counterpoint’s report highlights that the absence of a new Apple Watch SE model significantly contributed to the drop, while the limited upgrades on the Watch Series 10 also impacted the disappointing performance.
Conversely, all of Apple’s competitors experienced a rise in smartwatch shipments. The introduction of the next generation Watch SE, along with an updated Watch Ultra 3, might help Apple regain its footing, but time will tell how developments unfold this year.
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