The latest report from Strategy Analytics suggests that the Apple Watch will ship 15 million units worldwide in 2015. Apple will quickly become the world’s number one smartwatch vendor with 55 percent global market share this year.
According to the report, smartwatch shipment is expected to grow from 4.6 million units in 2014 to 28.1 million units in 2015 thanks to yet to be release Apple Watch.
According to the report:
[su_quote] The Apple Watch is the catalyst to ignite the global smartwatch market. Apple’s famous brand, loyal fan base, deep retail presence and extensive apps ecosystem will ensure healthy uptake for its Watch. However, Apple’s first-generation Watch is not yet perfect. For example, Apple’s Watch hardware design is arguably less attractive than some rival models such as the Huawei Watch, battery life may not be as long as many traditional wristwatch owners are used to, and Apple’s premium pricing may be challenging for mass-market consumers. Apple will need to upgrade tangibly its second-generation Watch to stay ahead of competitors later this year.[/su_quote]
Exhibit 1: Global Smartwatch Shipments Forecast by Vendor in 2015
| Global Smartwatch Shipments Forecast by Vendor (Millions of Units) | 2014 | 2015 |
| Apple Watch | 0.0 | 15.4 |
| Others | 4.6 | 12.7 |
| Total | 4.6 | 28.1 |
| Global Smartwatch Forecast by Vendor (%) | 2014 | 2015 |
| Apple Watch | 0.0% | 54.8% |
| Others | 100.0% | 45.2% |
| Total | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Source: Strategy Analytics |
It is interesting how this will affect the development of mobile applications