The IDC report for the Worldwide Quarterly Device Tracker has found that new smartwatchs to be released in the remainder of 2016 are to see minimal growth due to iterative product releases. The recent forecast states that total smartwatch shipments will reach 20.1 million units in 2016, which is a total increase of 3.9 percent from the units shipped in 2015.
A total of 21.5 million units are expected for the shipments of smart wearables in 2016, with smartwatches accounting for the largest part of the category.
The top five smartwatch platforms listed are WatchOS, Android and Android Wear, Tizen, Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and others.
Apple’s WatchOS had the highest market share of 52.3 percent in 2016, and by platform may dominate through 2020 also.
However, Android and Android wear will gain the win for fastest growth and by 2020, will challenge watchOS in the worldwide smartwatch market.
OEMs from both inside and outside of the IT industry are to adopt Android Wear as the cornerstone of their smartwatch strategy, this will also address gaps in the product portfolio as a way to lure new users.
IDC also found that basic wearables will reach a total of 80.7 million shipments, by the end of 2016. Basic wearable devices being, wearables that do not include third party applications.
The devices are to see a growth in shipment volumes, totalling 147.8 million units shipped by 2020, which rises over that of smart wearables at 76.6 million.
Examples of these devices include Fitbit’s selection of fitness trackers, such as its most recent fitness trackers; flex 2 and charge 2.
Ramon Llamas, research manager for IDC’s Wearables team said:
“First, smartwatches will look and feel like traditional watches, appealing to those who put a premium and design and style. Second, once the smartwatches get cellular connectivity, they’ll disconnect from the smartphone, making them more useful. Third, smartwatch applications will build on this cellular connection, and connect with other devices within the home and at work.
Finally, smartwatch prices will come down, making them more affordable to a broader market.”
