[Edaily Reporter Shin Yeong-bin ] In the global wearable market, screenless health management devices and high-performance sports watches are emerging as new growth drivers. While the overall market has slowed, consumer demand appears to be splitting between “lightweight, simple devices” and “premium products with specialized features.”

According to market research firm Omdia on the 17th, global wearable band shipments in the second quarter of this year decreased by 2% compared to the same period last year.

Shipments of basic bands, which include general fitness trackers, fell by 9%, while shipments of basic watches also declined by 3%. In particular, the slowdown in the Indian market—where shipments of low-cost smartwatches had previously surged—had a significant impact this year.

In contrast, smartwatch shipments rose by 6%, driven by the popularity of high-performance sports models.

Omdia analyzed that consumer preferences in the wearable market are clearly polarizing. It explained that demand is shifting toward simple health trackers that can be worn all day without a screen, as well as high-performance sports watches that provide accurate exercise data and long battery life.

In the smartwatch market, Apple maintained its top position with a 46% global market share. SamsungElectronics(005930), and Garmin each recorded approximately 15%. SamsungElectronics held onto second place by a narrow margin, but Garmin closed in on SamsungElectronics with significant growth compared to its 11% market share the previous year.

Garmin’s growth was driven by specialized features tailored for running, cycling, and outdoor activities. By recently expanding its Forerunner lineup, the company is broadening its customer base to include not only professional athletes but also general consumers.

In the overall wearable market, Huawei took the top spot with an 18% market share. This represents a 1 percentage point increase from the 17% it held in the second quarter of last year. This growth was driven by its compatibility with smartphones regardless of operating system (OS) and the expansion of its health and fitness features.

“Screenless wearables”—devices that completely eliminate the display—are also gaining market share. With the launch of products such as Google’s “Fitbit Air” and Garmin’s “Circa,” screenless devices accounted for more than 15% of basic band shipments in the second quarter of this year.

Screenless devices collect data—such as sleep patterns, activity levels, and heart rate—via sensors instead of a separate display, with results viewed on a smartphone. Their key advantages include extended battery life and reduced wearer discomfort due to minimal screen usage.

In the second half of the year, rising component costs—such as for memory and storage—are expected to emerge as another variable for wearable device manufacturers. Price increases are continuing for some high-performance sports watches, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch.

Jason Low, Research Director at Omdia, said, “The wearable market is being restructured around two pillars: screenless trackers and sports watches,” adding, “Consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that provide accurate data and practical insights.”