The number of features in various Apple Watch models has hit a bottleneck as Apple continues to have trouble delivering more features to users. Even the original planmatchEquipped with blood pressure monitoring functionApple Watch Series 10 also only provides size upgrades. The manufacturing process of the chip was neglected, resulting in battery life remaining unchanged for a long time. The combination of the above factors leads to an expected 19% decline in Apple Watch shipments in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The North American market accounts for more than half of Apple Watch shipments, and Counterpoint Research noted that 2024 was the second consecutive year of decline. As for the reasons, Balbir Singh wrote that the lack of new affordable Apple Watch SE models led to lower shipments, followed by a lower number of Apple Watch Series 10 upgrades, and the lack of new Apple Watch Ultra models.
According to the global smartwatch shipment tracking report for the fourth quarter of 2024 released by Counterpoint, Apple Intelligence watch shipments will decline by 19% year-on-year in 2024. The brand declined in all regions except India. However, its global decline was mainly due to a sharp decline in the North American market, which contributed more than half of Apple Intelligence watch shipments.
2024 is the second consecutive year that Apple Intelligence watch shipments have declined year-on-year. In the field of high-end smart watches, Apple's market share will decline by 8 percentage points year-on-year in 2024. The fourth quarter of 2024 was the fifth consecutive quarter of declines in Apple Intelligence watch shipments, while all other major competitors experienced growth in high-end smartwatch shipments.
The study noted that shipments could rebound in the coming months if Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 3 updates are released. Unfortunately, the California-based giant also had trouble launching both products. Regarding the Apple Watch SE, we previously reported that the company was trying to reduce costs by switching to an all-plastic case, but the team wasn't too happy with the decision. .
In addition, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring sensors may help boost shipments, but it will be several years before Apple can integrate this feature into its future smartwatches. An Apple Watch Series 10 prototype was found to be equipped with a mysterious sensor, but it was not ultimately selected. It is still unclear whether it is used to measure blood sugar or other indicators.