Apple Watch Sales Estimated at 3.9 Million in Third Quarter

Thursday December 3, 2015 9:56 am PST by Joe Rossignol
The latest data from market research firm IDC estimates Apple Watch sales totaled 3.9 million worldwide in the third quarter of 2015, making it the second most popular wearable device behind Fitbit fitness trackers during the three-month period ending September 30.

Fitbit Apple Watch
Apple posted a slight increase from the previous quarter, mostly the result of additional markets and channels coming on line. End-user attention has been going toward its entry-level and least expensive Sport line, to which Apple responded by introducing gold and rose gold models. In addition, Apple released watchOS 2, bringing native third-party applications to the device.
Fitbit shipped an estimated 4.7 million fitness trackers for 22.2% market share in the third quarter, compared to Apple's estimated 18.6% market share. Apple Watch shipments grew over IDC's second quarter estimate of 3.6 million, but both Apple and Fitbit ceded some market share to Xiaomi and other vendors.

Chinese rival Xiaomi remained in third place with an estimated 3.7 million wearables shipped in the quarter, representing 17.4% market share. Garmin and BBK rounded off the top five with 900,000 (4.1%) and 700,000 (3.1%) wearables shipped respectively, while all other vendors accounted for a combined 7.3 million shipments and 34.6% market share.

IDC-Q3-2015-Wearables
IDC estimates that wearable shipments totaled 21 million worldwide in the third quarter, growth of 197.6% compared to the 7.1 million units shipped in the year-ago quarter. IDC said the average smartwatch price was around $400, while basic bands and trackers averaged $94. China continues to be the fastest-growing wearables market, especially for lower-priced fitness trackers.

Apple has not disclosed Apple Watch sales numbers since the device launched in April, instead grouping the wrist-worn accessory with iPod, Apple TV and Beats Electronics accessories under an "Other Products" category in quarterly earnings reports. But when asked, Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executives consistently remain upbeat about current sales.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 6
Tags: IDC, Fitbit
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
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Ventilatedbrain
54 months ago
After bashing it for a while , I actually went out and bought one . Hated it for the first week , now I don't take it off ever. And I have a watch collection I adore
Rating: 25 Votes
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ckhris1613
54 months ago

After bashing it for a while , I actually went out and bought one . Hated it for the first week , now I don't take it off ever. And I have a watch collection I adore


How do you charge it?
Rating: 16 Votes
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warrior2000
54 months ago

It is a shame as a New Category for Apple. I doubt the 1.5 billion will even cover the cost.


With 4 million units a quarter that is a run rate of 16 million units a year.
Adjust for holiday season and its 18-20 million units a year.

Watch2 will probably see 40-60% increase in unit sales. That easily gets you to 30-35 million units a year.

That gets you to $15 billion in sales in year 2.
By year 5 Watch sales can easily be $40 billion.
That would make Watch bigger than iPad and Mac.

But go ahead and poo poo the product now in its infant stages. Those who lack vision
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
convergent
54 months ago

Look at this, 2/3 of apple watch owner and half of sport watch owner just put them away.

http://www.cnet.com/news/why-some-apple-watch-owners-dont-like-the-device/


You obviously fell victim to the click bait that this article is, and didn't actually read it. Its 2/3 of those DISSATISFIED owners ... not 2/3 of all owners. The same research firm has published findings that say the vast majority... 97%, are SATISFIED. http://fortune.com/2015/09/08/apple-watch-satisfaction-survey/
Rating: 9 Votes
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maxsix
54 months ago

After bashing it for a while , I actually went out and bought one . Hated it for the first week , now I don't take it off ever. And I have a watch collection I adore

I bought the SS Model upon its release.

An interesting product, I tried to like it but after a few weeks it lost its luster, didn't do anything to earn its place on my wrist so I returned it.

In fairness I have a large selection of gorgeous handmade luxury Swiss Chronographs. By comparison Apple looks cheap, plain, and just too annoying.

I don't need notifications, I'm organized and not too lazy to take my iPhone out of my pocket to see its highly useful 5.5" display.

:D
Rating: 8 Votes
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ericgtr12
54 months ago
Yeah, mine is part of the normal routine, on in the morning and off at bed time. Could I live without it? Sure but for notifications it's proven itself to be invaluable, just quick glances without ever having to touch the phone.
Rating: 7 Votes
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mono1980
54 months ago
So doing the math: If the average price was $400 then Apple just made over 1.5 BILLION DOLLARS in revenue on the Watch in 1 quarter. Sounds incredibly successful to me!
Rating: 6 Votes
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maxsix
54 months ago

Funny, that. I think Apple Watch made all analogue watches look very, very old, overnight. And to say the SS Apple Watch looks "cheap" is just stupid. You may say it looks "plain" or "simple", if you must. But on the other hand, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, you know. That's the difference, to me, in a nutshell. Your "chronographs" are poseurs; despite their complicated exterior screaming "look at me", they only have very few, very simple functions. The Apple Watch is understated, it looks like the simplest object, but does so much more. And up close, the materials and finish are very beautiful, making the whole object, in a (ivesian) word, essential.

Oh my, apparently I've posted an opinion that's far too honest and personal.
Having hurt your feelings, I apologize.
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
warrior2000
54 months ago

Why do they compare the Apple Watch with fitness trackers? These are completely different products.
They would have to compare smart watches with smart watches and fitness trackers with fitness trackers.

However the sales number of the Apple Watch are better i would have expected.


In related news Glad trash bag company sold 50 million trash bags while Louis Vutton only sold 2 million units.
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
the future
54 months ago

I have a large selection of gorgeous handmade luxury Swiss Chronographs. By comparison Apple looks cheap, plain, and just too annoying.


Funny, that. I think Apple Watch made all analogue watches look very, very old, overnight. And to say the SS Apple Watch looks "cheap" is just stupid. You may say it looks "plain" or "simple", if you must. But on the other hand, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, you know. That's the difference, to me, in a nutshell. Your "chronographs" are poseurs; despite their complicated exterior screaming "look at me", they only have very few, very simple functions. The Apple Watch is understated, it looks like the simplest object, but does so much more. And up close, the materials and finish are very beautiful, making the whole object, in a (ivesian) word, essential.
Rating: 5 Votes

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