The wearable devices market showed impressive growth in the second quarter of 2013, while forecasts anticipate an even better 2014.
More specifically, the wearable market, which includes both smartwatches and fitness wristband trackers, is expected to deliver up to 17 million devices in 2014. Specifically for smartwatches, the research firm Canalys predicts that deliveries for 2014 will rise to 8 million devices. The number is estimated to reach 23 million devices in 2015 and 45 million devices by 2017.
Fitbit dominated the basic wearables market in 2013, with the Flex and Force , launched in May and October, respectively, capturing a market share of 58% in the second half of 2013. It was followed by UP with a 21% market share for its Jawbone device and Nike with 13% for its Fuelband devices .
In terms of smart wearable (smartwatch) shipments , Samsung with the Galaxy Gear captured a 54% market share for the second half of 2013. Sony followed with a 19% market share, Pebble with 16% and the remaining manufacturers with the remaining 11%. In total, 1.6 million smartwatches were shipped in the second half of 2013 .
However, Canalys ’ analysis concludes that while Samsung managed to be at the top of device shipments to resellers, it did not achieve the same in terms of actual sales. Also, while it seems that manufacturers of “basic” wearable devices achieve a more significant volume of deliveries, “smart” wearable devices appear to be developing greater momentum. Canalys predicts that the two categories will gradually begin to converge in terms of their technical characteristics.
Finally, Canalys' forecasts include the Android. The research firm considers the development of a comprehensive ecosystem of companion apps to be crucial for the growth of the overall market. Thus, Android is expected to make its entry into the wearables sector in a more substantial way.
