Apple Captures 90% of Edge AI Smartwatch Shipments as Q1 Market Jumps 70%
Updated
Updated · asiae.co.kr · Jul 11
Apple Captures 90% of Edge AI Smartwatch Shipments as Q1 Market Jumps 70%
3 articles · Updated · asiae.co.kr · Jul 11
Summary
Counterpoint said edge AI smartwatch shipments surged 70% year over year in Q1, with Apple accounting for about 90% of that segment and holding a 23% share of the overall smartwatch market.
25% of smartwatches shipped in Q1 could run AI on-device, a share expected to reach 32% this year as brands push privacy-focused, real-time health analysis without sending biometric data to the cloud.
Apple's smartwatch shipments rose 21%, outpacing Huawei's 12% and Xiaomi's 9%, while Samsung's fell 28%, widening the gap as Apple benefits from tighter integration with its premium iPhone base.
Samsung's overall smartwatch share slipped to 5%, and it is betting on next-generation Galaxy Watch models with upgraded Samsung Health features that use AI to deliver personalized health insights.
As rivals launch new chips, is Apple's 90% reign over AI smartwatches already ending?
AI watches promise diabetes detection next. What's the real barrier to this life-changing feature arriving on our wrists?
Apple Commands 90% of Edge AI Smartwatch Shipments in Q1 2026: Market Leadership, Regulatory Advances, and the Future of On-Device Health Tech
Overview
In Q1 2026, the smartwatch market saw a major shift as Edge AI devices made up 25% of all shipments, marking a new standard where artificial intelligence is processed locally on the device. Apple took an unrivaled lead in this space, setting itself apart as the dominant player. The industry is moving beyond just adding hardware, now focusing on software optimization and efficient AI models that work directly on the watch. This allows for faster responses, like instant health alerts and gesture controls, while keeping personal health data secure on the device. These changes highlight a new era of smarter, more private, and responsive smartwatches.