Huawei shipped 9.5 million wrist-worn devices in the first quarter of 2026, capturing a 20.2% share of the global market. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), this volume decreased from 10.0 million units in Q1 2025. Consequently, the company’s market share declined from 21.7% to 20.2% year-over-year.
Meanwhile, the company maintained its leading position in China’s market, where it has ranked first since 2021. To support its global market presence, the manufacturer released several new products in 2026. Specifically, these releases included the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2, and the HUAWEI Band 11 Series.
Market Share and Shipment Volume
The IDC report highlights a broader shift in the global market toward scenario-based competition and user segmentation. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on building differentiated products for specific user groups. These segments include all-featured smart devices, professional health, professional fitness, and daily health monitoring.
New Product Releases in 2026
The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 features a 3D floating antenna architecture and supports dual-band six-system positioning. Furthermore, the device introduces a dedicated Marathon mode developed in collaboration with runner Eliud Kipchoge and his dsm-firmenich Running Team. This mode uses algorithms refined by feedback from elite runners to manage training strategies.
Technical Specifications of Wrist-Worn Devices
For golf sports, the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 supports maps for more than 17,000 golf courses globally. Notably, the device tracks backswing range, swing speed, and swing plane in its Driving Range mode. In addition, the lightweight HUAWEI Band 11 Series measures 8.99 mm in thickness and weighs 18 grams. This series supports sleep tracking, emotional state detection, and over 100 workout modes.
Investment in Health and Fitness Technology
To support these features, the company operates three health labs to develop new capabilities for wrist-worn devices. For instance, the TruSense system tracks over 70 health metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Meanwhile, the AI-XDR positioning algorithm provides location tracking in areas with weak signal coverage.
Looking ahead, the company plans to continue its technical development in health technology tracking. Over the past decade, the manufacturer invested more than $154 billion in research and development. In 2023 alone, its research spending exceeded $23 billion, representing 23.4% of its total economy revenue.
