Smartwatches and wrist-worn trackers are tipped to drive wearable device growth this year, with IDC forecasting global market shipments of 222.9 million units.
The analytics firm expects wearable device shipments to soar to 302.3 million units by 2023.
According to Taiwanese trade publication, DigiTimes, smartwatches and ‘ear-worn’ devices will likely account for over 70% of wearable device shipments in four years.
Wristband/fitness trackers are forecast to notch flat shipment growth this year, as more consumers transition to smartwatches.
“Not only is the market diversifying in terms of form factors, but it is also diversifying in terms of connectivity and distribution,” asserts IDC Research Manager for Mobile Device Trackers, Jitesh Ubrani.
“Among all watches, close to half will have the ability to connect to a cellular network by 2023 as consumers along with enterprises and healthcare look to free the watch from the phone and as telecom carriers push forward subsidies or financing options for watches with cellular service.”
Smartwatches are expected to further delve into health and fitness, alongside more robust parental tracking, and smart home control capabilities,
Ear-worn devices are tipped to deploy stronger language assistance capabilities plus coaching features.
