Boston, USA: According to Strategy Analytics’ latest research over a half-billion wearables were sold worldwide for the first time ever in 2020.
TWS Bluetooth earbuds and smartwatches from Apple, Xiaomi and others were among the main drivers of wearables growth.
“We estimate global wearable sales grew a healthy 37 percent from 384 million units in 2019 to a record 527 million last year in 2020. This is the first time ever that global wearable sales have topped the half-billion level,” said Steven Waltzer, Senior Analyst – Strategy Analytics.
Among the more than a half-billion wearables sold globally in 2020, earwear and wristwear together accounted for 98 percent.
“Earwear and wristwear together accounted for 98 percent of all wearables sold worldwide in 2020. TWS Bluetooth earbuds and smartwatches, such as Apple AirPods or Xiaomi Mi Watch, are the big two categories driving wearables growth today,” added Ville Ukonaho, Associate Director – Strategy Analytics.
According to Strategy Analytics’ Executive Director, Neil Mawston if current growth trends continue, global wearable sales will top 2 billion units and overtake smartphone sales before the end of the decade.
“Wearables can be worn on almost any part of the body from head to toe. For example, smart glasses for augmented reality, smart rings with biosensors, or smart sneakers with pollution monitors. The scope for future wearables growth is huge,” said Mawston.
Global Wearable Sales in 2019 to 2020
Global Wearable Sales by Type (Millions of Units) | 2019 | 2020 | Growth YoY (%) |
Earwear | 203 | 327 | 61% |
Wristwear | 169 | 188 | 11% |
Others | 11 | 12 | 4% |
Total | 384 | 527 | 37% |
Global Wearable Sales by Type (% of Total) | 2019 | 2020 |
Earwear | 53% | 62% |
Wristwear | 44% | 36% |
Others | 3% | 2% |
Total | 100% | 100% |
Total Growth: Year-over-Year (%) | 60% | 37% |
Strategy Analytics is a global, independent research and consulting firm with headquarters in Boston, USA and offices in the UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India and China.