We’ve heard amazing stats like the fact that the Apple Watch outsold every Android Wear device ever within its first 24 hours, but just what exactly does Apple’s entry mean for the wearables market as a whole?
According to new research, the Apple Watch is likely to push global shipments of wearable devices to 45-50 million units in 2015 alone — representing a massive 125-150 percent increase from the 20 million units total shipped one year earlier.
For the first quarter of 2015, Fitbit handily took the top spot — with shipments totalling 3.9 million units, or 34.2 percent of the market. No wonder Fitbit was forced to admit that the Apple Watch represented a major risk to its investors in the company’s recent IPO filing!
People can talk all they want about how more people are still searching for iPods than Apple Watch on Google, but for Apple to sweep in and take over an entire market as rapidly as it has is definitely worthy of respect.
Via: Digitimes
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
One response to “Apple Watch will more than double the size of global wearables market in 2015”
Bought mine last night (42mm stainless steel with black sport band), first impressions.
1) Initially smaller than I though it would be but after using it for a bit it now feels just right. Setup was quick and easy as it pulls all compatible apps from your phone. (Fantasy football?? Yes please!)
2) I like the ease of the fitness goals. Its fun and gives you a sidebar from work.
3) Force touch with the haptic engine is cool. Makes it feel like the thing is alive.
4) Switching out bands is not as easy as the intro video. Bands seem small and cheap for the most part.
5) Using the digital crown (and remembering its there for the most part) takes some getting used to. There are times when I so badly want gestures, but with my sausage fingers it actually is convenient. Navigation is frustrating at times, and I feel additional, unnecessary actions are required to get from A to B.
6) They need to cut the cord quick when it comes to needing the phone for some functionality. Email, messages, instagram are all limited access and functionality. There is a bit of loading time for these as well- not as ‘snappy’ as you’d hope.
7) The thing is beautiful. I wear a suit to work everyday and it compliments formal attire well- especially with leather bands and link bracelet.
8) Battery seems to be holding well (@ 94% after 2 hours).
Anyone else agree/disagree/other comments?