Apple Watch Sales Fall 19% Amid Legal, Market Pressures

Apple Watch shipments experienced a 19-20% year-over-year decline in 2024, marking the second consecutive year and fifth straight quarter of falling sales. The downturn is attributed to the lack of substantial upgrades in the Apple Watch Series 10, no new SE or Ultra models, increased price sensitivity, and legal challenges such as the removal of the blood oxygen feature in the U.S. North America, Apple's largest market, drove much of the decline, while India was the only major region to see shipment growth. Competing brands like Huawei and Xiaomi saw shipment increases, and the kids' smartwatch segment grew globally. Counterpoint Research suggests Apple can recover with affordable SE models, new Ultra editions, and design improvements. Despite the shrinking market share, Apple remains the dominant player in the premium smartwatch segment.