Wireless Hearables and Smartwatches Drive 2020 Wearables Growth

TWS (true wireless stereo hearables) and smartwatches continued to shore up the wearables market in 2020, according to Counterpoint Research. Annual TWS shipments are expected to grow 83% to 238 million units, while smartwatches will weather subdued category spending to increase 2% to tip the 100 million mark.

The wearables market is divided into five distinct segments, of which earwear and wristwear comprise the majority of devices. Combined, they accounted for 93% of the overall market in 3Q20, with earwear growing fastest on product changes from vendors and shifts in consumer demand. “The trend around removing jacks and earphones from devices and boxes is becoming a big driver for TWS segment growth,“ said Counterpoint Research senior analyst Liz Lee. “It also helps that mobile media consumption continues to grow, making TWS the next must-have accessory.“

In terms of smartwatches, demand is expected to wane in 2020 but should pick up this year, according to senior analyst Sujeong Lim, who covers IoT and emerging technologies. “The normalization of economies coupled with increased interest in health and fitness will help the smartwatch market grow. We expect low double-digit growth through the medium term, possibly higher if average selling prices decline quickly.“

Based on the latest figures from Counterpoint Research, premium products continued to lead, with Apple products comprising 29% and 28% of TWS and smartwatch shipments, respectively, in 3Q20. Lim observed that, “Apple’s powerful iOS ecosystem, typically comprised of consumers with larger disposable incomes, has been the main driver for growth, especially in terms of revenues. High-end stalwart Samsung has also performed consistently. But there is big potential in budget, and we’re already seeing the impact in hearables. In 3Q 2020, half of the top 10 were budget brands with sub-$50 and even sub-$20 offerings; Xiaomi best illustrated the trend as it consolidated its number two spot.“

realme was another notable budget brand to place in the TWS top-10 during the third quarter. “Building on strong hearables momentum, recent entry into smartwatches and strength in online, realme could repeat its smartphone success to become 2021’s dark horse in wearables.“ commented Lee. “Our User Choices and Preferences Surveys for TWS and smartwatches show that a big portion of consumers buy wearables via online channels; vendors with a strong online pedigree should outperform.“