Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and earbuds, are expected to see slower growth in the coming years, according to the market intelligence firm International Data Corp. (IDC). Shipments are on track to grow by 6.1% in 2024, reaching 538 million units. However, this growth is expected to slow to 3.9% in 2025 as popular products and big markets like the United States and India start to level off.
Smartwatches, a popular type of wearable, are expected to ship fewer units in 2024, with a 4.5% drop. India, a major market, is dealing with too many low-cost options, leading to overstock and pricing challenges. In the United States, many people are still using devices they bought during the pandemic. By 2025, smartwatch sales could improve slightly as people replace older gadgets.
“Consumer interest in smartwatches has slowed down, so companies are trying to offer products at different prices to attract buyers,” said Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at IDC.
Hearables, which include wireless earbuds, are expected to grow by 10.3% in 2024. Innovations like open-ear designs and falling prices are helping this category remain popular, especially in growing markets.
New gadgets like smart rings and simple smart glasses are also becoming more appealing.
“Smart rings and glasses without screens could stand out in the next few months,” Ubrani said. “Some companies are using rings for health tracking, while others are exploring stylish glasses like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.”
As sales slow for older products, the wearable tech industry is looking at new ideas to keep people interested.