In a groundbreaking report by IDC Consulting, China‘s wearable device market saw robust growth, registering a whopping 33.5 million unit shipments in Q2 of 2023—up 17.3% from last year. While that’s impressive, what’s more intriguing is the surge in shipments of children’s smartwatches.

True wireless earphones alone contributed to a 15.11 million unit shipment

While adult smartwatches witnessed an 11.5% year-on-year increase in Q2, touching 4.65 million units, the children’s segment wasn’t far behind. It recorded a 12.5% increase, accounting for almost an equal 4.77 million units. This suggests that the youngest demographic is quickly catching up to their grown-up counterparts, signaling a shift in the market’s focus. Could kids be the future of wearables?

The report also points out the reinvigoration of wristbands, which had a 20.9% year-on-year surge. Unlike smartwatches, wristbands are making a notable comeback, possibly driven by their lower price and focused functionality. Hearable devices, like true wireless earphones, aren’t lagging either. With 19.33 million units shipped—a 19.5% year-on-year increase—they’re certainly in the game. In this category, true wireless earphones alone contributed to a 15.11 million unit shipment, up 18.6% year-on-year.

Who’s leading the race? Unsurprisingly, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple continue to dominate the market, leveraging both high brand recognition and pricing strategies. Their growth showcases the market’s increasing centralization. But it’s the rise of the pint-sized customer that’s stealing the show. If companies want to stay ahead in the game, they may need to start thinking smaller—quite literally.

Stay tuned for more updates as we keep an eye on this shifting landscape.

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