# Xiaomi Reclaims Leadership in the Global Wearable Band Market
In a notable shift within the global wearable band market, Xiaomi has regained its status as the top vendor, overtaking Apple in the first quarter of 2025. Recent data from Canalys indicates that Xiaomi’s comeback can be linked to a more developed ecosystem strategy compared to its earlier leadership in mid-2021, while Apple’s approach seems to have plateaued.
## Market Overview
The wearable band market has exhibited optimistic signs of recovery, with shipments rising by 13% year-over-year, reaching 46.6 million units in Q1 2025. This growth has been primarily fueled by the increasing demand for basic wearables, which are especially attractive to consumers in emerging markets—a niche where Xiaomi has thrived.
### Xiaomi’s Strategy
Canalys analyst Jack Leathem pointed out that Xiaomi has effectively enhanced its Mi Band and Redmi Watch series, integrating revamped designs and advanced data features. By providing a broad array of features at competitive prices, Xiaomi has significantly bolstered its value proposition. The company’s growth has also been supported by successful coordination across multiple categories and strategic pricing, particularly in emerging markets.
Xiaomi’s remarkable performance is demonstrated in its shipment numbers, with 8.7 million units dispatched in the last quarter—an increase of 44% from the previous year. The Redmi Band 5 has played a vital role in this achievement, but the overall momentum is linked to Xiaomi’s HyperOS initiative, which unifies phones, wearables, and home devices into a seamless ecosystem.
## Apple’s Performance
In contrast, Apple saw a relatively subdued quarter for its Apple Watch, with shipments growing merely 5% to 7.6 million units. This has led to a total unit share of 16%, lagging behind Xiaomi’s 19%. This pattern aligns with a recent Counterpoint report, which highlighted a two-year decline in global sales for the Apple Watch throughout 2024.
Nonetheless, there is optimism for Apple as it nears the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch. Analysts expect that Apple will regain traction in the latter half of 2025, fueled by a substantial portfolio update that will capitalize on its well-established and tightly integrated health-focused ecosystem.
## Competitors in the Market
Apart from Xiaomi and Apple, other players are also gaining ground in the wearable band market. Huawei claimed third place with 7.1 million units shipped, benefiting from robust sales within its GT and Fit lines, along with the expanding global reach of the Huawei Health app.
Samsung, in fourth place, achieved the highest growth among the top vendors, with a remarkable 74% increase, resulting in 4.9 million units shipped. The South Korean firm has strategically balanced its focus between basic bands targeting emerging markets and premium smartwatches for more developed areas.
Garmin completed the top five, shipping 1.8 million units and recording a 10% year-over-year increase, underscoring its ongoing relevance in the wearable market.
## Conclusion
Xiaomi’s revival in the wearable band market underscores the significance of innovation, competitive pricing, and a strong ecosystem strategy. As the market evolves, the rivalry among leading brands like Apple, Huawei, Samsung, and Garmin is expected to intensify, urging each company to innovate and adapt to shifting consumer preferences. With anticipated updates from Apple and the continual expansion of Xiaomi’s offerings, the latter half of 2025 is set to be an exhilarating time for the wearable technology sector.
