Following the launch of Apple smartwatch, the tech giant is just a neck behind global leader Fitbit, in the wearable market.
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), Apple shipped a total of 3.6 million units in the second quarter of 2015 (2Q15), just 0.8 million units behind Fitbit’s 4.4 million units.
The total shipment volume for the quarter amounted to 18.1 million units, up 223.2% from the 5.6 million units shipped in 2Q14.
The multinational technology company which is headquartered in Cupertino, California with its cult-like consumer base has cornered the market in the selling of computer software, online services, computers, smart phones, mediaplayers and recently, smartwatches.
The company has targeted select markets such as the US, China, Hong Kong, Australia and France to penetrate the market with the latest addition to its product lines — Apple watch.
According to IDC Research Manager Ramon Llamas, “Anytime Apple enters a new market, not only does it draw attention to itself, but to the market as a whole. Its participation benefits multiple players and platforms within the wearables ecosystem, and ultimately drives total volumes higher.”
He also said that Apple forces other vendors, especially those that have been part of this market for multiple quarters, to “re-evaluate” their products and experiences.
“Fairly or not, Apple will become the stick against which other wearables are measured, and competing vendors need to stay current or ahead of Apple,” he added.
Jitesh Ubrani, Senior Research Analyst for IDC Mobile Device Trackers, said about two of every three smart wearables shipped this quarter was an Apple Watch.
“Its (Apple) dominance is expected to continue. Although Fitbit outshipped Apple, it’s worth noting that Fitbit only sells basic wearables, a category that is expected to lose share over the next few years, leaving Apple poised to become the next market leader for all wearables,” he added.
Xiaomi and Garmin ranked third and fourth in the tally with 17.1% share (3.1 million units) and 3.9% share (0.7 million units), respectively.
Samsung saw its shipment declining to 0.6 million units in April-June 2015 quarter from 0.8 million units in the year-ago period. Its market share stood at 3.3% in the quarter under review.
