Unnecessary Smartwatch? You’re Not Alone

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    NEW YORK, July 4, 2025


<h2>Smartwatch Sales Slump: Is the Gadget Era Over?</h2>




    <em>Global smartwatch sales decline, but Asian brands buck the trend.</em>




    <ul>
        <li>Global smartwatch sales fell 2% in the first quarter of 2025.</li>
        <li>Apple Watch shipments dropped by 9%, though Apple remains the market leader.</li>
        <li>Huawei and Xiaomi saw a 53% increase in shipments.</li>
        <li>Chinese brands like Imoo are driving growth in children's watches.</li>
        <li>analysts predict a 3% recovery by the end of 2025, driven by AI and health features.</li>
    </ul>




<p>Are smartwatches on their way out? Despite early promises, the smartwatch market is seeing a decline, though some companies are managing too swim against the current.</p>


    <p><strong>Did you know?</strong>&mdash;The first smartwatch was invented in 1972. The Pulsar watch,made by Hamilton Watch Company,was the first digital watch with no moving parts. it cost $2,100.</p>


    An American driver was saved by his Apple Watch in January 2025 after losing consciousness and plunging into a swimming pool; the watch contacted emergency services and transmitted his position.


<h3>Skepticism Persists</h3>
<p>Despite such stories, many users view the connected watch as an unnecessary gadget. For many, it doesn't replace the smartphone, and its real value remains limited.</p>


    <p><strong>Reader question:</strong>&mdash;What features would a smartwatch need to have for you to consider it an essential device? Share your thoughts in the comments below!</p>


    According to Counterpoint Research, the global connected watch market fell by 2% in the first quarter of 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of decrease, indicating disinterest. The decline is attributed to falling Apple Watch sales and a slowdown in the Indian market. China, however, saw a 37% growth, with brands like Huawei, xiaomi, and Imoo thriving thanks to competitive and innovative models.


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        sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

</figure>

<h3>Apple still Leads, but Asian Brands Surge</h3>


<p>Despite a 9% drop in shipments, Apple remains the world leader with 20% of the market. Huawei and Xiaomi each saw a 53% increase, narrowing the gap. Samsung's market share decreased from 9% to 7%.Consumers are shifting toward more expensive models in the $100 to $200 range (93 to 185 euros), with this segment increasing by 21%, while models under $100 (around 93 euros) fell by 17%. Users are seeking health functionality.</p>

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        data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

</figure>


    <p><strong>Pro tip:</strong>&mdash;Before buying a smartwatch, check its compatibility with your smartphone's operating system. Some watches have limited functionality or won't work at all with certain phones.</p>


<h3>Future Trends: Health and AI</h3>




    Children's watches are gaining popularity, particularly with Imoo in China, providing reassurance to parents. Counterpoint forecasts a 3% global recovery by the end of 2025, driven by AI and health features, potentially transforming these accessories into certified medical tools. However,many still view smartwatches as superfluous,awaiting truly essential uses before investing.

<h3>Beyond the Basics: Smartwatch Features That Matter</h3>

<p>The current smartwatch market presents consumers with many choices,but adoption rates remain slow. While the devices offer some convenience,many people question their necessity. To understand the future of smartwatches, its crucial to examine what consumers truly want. What features would make a smartwatch an indispensable part of daily life?</p>

<p>Many users are seeking more than just notifications and basic fitness tracking. Strong battery life is paramount. Frequent charging diminishes the smartwatch’s usefulness.</p>

<ul>

<li><strong>Advanced health Monitoring:</strong> Beyond heart rate and step counting, users want features such as blood pressure monitoring, advanced sleep analysis, and even blood glucose tracking. These features are becoming more prevalent, but reliability and accuracy are key.</li>

<li><strong>Seamless Integration:</strong> A smartwatch needs to integrate smoothly with other smart devices and services. This includes easy pairing with smartphones, compatibility with various apps, and the ability to control smart home devices directly from the wrist.</li>

<li><strong>Standalone capabilities:</strong> Ideally, a smartwatch should function independently. This means having its own cellular connection for calls,texts,and data,without being tethered to a smartphone. This is very true for children’s watches.</li>

<li><strong>Design and Durability:</strong> Smartwatches must be stylish and durable. They should withstand daily wear and tear, be water-resistant, and offer a range of designs to suit different tastes and activities. Customization is key.</li>

<li><strong>Enhanced Security:</strong> Security features such as secure payment options and the ability to store sensitive facts safely are essential. As smartwatches handle more personal data, robust security becomes even more crucial.</li>

</ul>

<p>The integration of AI is also a developing trend. AI-powered features will personalize user experiences and offer insightful recommendations. AI could offer proactive health advice or adjust device settings based on user behavior. Smartwatches must evolve from simple gadgets to genuinely useful and intelligent companions.</p>

<div style=”background:#f0f4c3; border-left:4px solid #827717;” aria-label=”Practical Tip”>

<p><strong>Practical Tip:</strong> Before purchasing a smartwatch, consider your lifestyle and needs. If you prioritize fitness, look for watches with advanced health tracking features. if you need seamless connectivity, prioritize compatibility with your existing devices.</p>

</div>

<p>The smartwatch’s future hinges on its ability to deliver genuine value. Success depends on the integration of features that address real-world needs. Brands that focus on these improvements while maintaining a stylish design and reasonable prices will thrive.</p>

<h3>Myths vs. Facts: Smartwatch Expectations</h3>

<table>

<thead>

<tr>

<th>Myth</th>

<th>Fact</th>

</tr>

</thead>

<tbody>

<tr>

<td>Smartwatches are just a novelty.</td>

<td>While some features are still developing such as accurate blood pressure monitoring, smartwatches offer valuable health tracking and convenience features, like notifications, when properly utilized.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>All smartwatches offer the same features.</td>

<td>Features vary greatly depending on the brand and price point. Health-focused smartwatches lead the way in offering advanced health metrics such as ECG and blood oxygen monitoring.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>smartwatches entirely replace smartphones.</td>

<td>Currently, smartwatches complement smartphones by providing fast access to information and notifications. They streamline the user experiance but do not replace the functionality of a smartphone.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Battery life is improving but still a challenge.</td>

<td>The best smartwatches often have extended battery life, but it still varies based on usage. Many users feel short battery life is a significant drawback.</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

<p>Consumers want more from smartwatches than they’re currently getting. The industry’s future will be shaped by innovation, focusing on practical, user-friendly features that genuinely enhance daily life. As brands meet these needs, the smartwatch market could see a significant rebound, redefining its place in the tech landscape.</p>

<div style=”background:#ffebee; border-left:4px solid #b71c1c;” aria-label=”Question & answer”>

<p><strong>Q:</strong> Are smartwatches worth the investment?<br>

<strong>A:</strong> It depends on your needs. If you value health tracking, convenience, and notifications, they can be valuable. Be sure the benefits outweigh the cost.</p>

</div>

<div style=”background:#ffebee; border-left:4px solid #b71c1c;” aria-label=”Question & Answer”>

<p><strong>Q:</strong> What are the biggest challenges for smartwatch manufacturers?<br>

<strong>A:</strong> The biggest hurdles include improving battery life, enhancing feature accuracy, designing more appealing products and justifying their expense.</p>

</div>

<div style=”background:#ffebee; border-left:4px solid #b71c1c;” aria-label=”Question & Answer”>

<p><strong>Q:</strong> What smartwatch features are most in demand?<br>

<strong>A:</strong> Users are seeking advanced health monitoring (blood pressure, and sleep analysis), improved battery life, and seamless integration with other devices.</p>

</div>

<p>The evolution of smartwatches will depend on meeting user expectations.The future of the smartwatch market is promising, with the potential to develop into health-focused and useful devices.</p>