Apple is the most preferred smartwatch brand in the US: Counterpoint
Apple is the most preferred smartwatch brand for consumers in the US with Samsung and Fitbit taking the second and third spot respectively, as per a Counterpoint Research report. As per the market research firm’s latest Consumer Lens study 42 per cent consumers preferred Apple Watch brand as their next purchase with two in every three potential Apple Watch buyers choosing a Series 4 device.
As per the Counterpoint Research report, over half of the potential Apple Watch buyers preferred buying an LTE variant. While the new Apple Watch Series 4 came with significant upgrades compared to the previous, the report cited that the key factors that influenced consumer’s purchasing decision were the “innovative features”. The enhanced heart rate sensor, LTE connectivity, faster S4 chipset and haptic feedback attributed to the consumers’ interest.
“With LTE connectivity and improved specs for better performance, the Apple Watch Series 4 further distances itself from the iPhone to become a standalone wearable device. As a result, more than half of the potential Apple watch buyers are interested in buying an LTE version,” Pavel Naiya, Senior Analyst said.
Counterpoint Research notes that while Apple Watch is “pitching” itself as a health monitor device with emergency “life-saving” features, the expensive price has become one of the key barriers for users to adopt the wearable device. With Apple capturing the first spot in the smartwatch segment in the US, Samsung was the second most preferred brand in the country with Fitbit taking the third slot.
“Apple was the top smartwatch brand last year. With the Apple Watch Series 4, the company further enriches its position as a preferred smartwatch brand for a consumer’s next purchase. Samsung was the second most preferred smartwatch brand followed by Fitbit. According to our findings, responses by consumers who are interested in buying an Apple Watch in the next six months are overwhelmingly positive towards buying the latest iteration of the Apple Watch,” Maurice Klaehne, Research Analyst mentioned.
As per the Counterpoint report, 42 per cent consumers preferred Apple Smart Watch brand as their next purchase
While Apple likely ruled the smartwatch segment in the US, Counterpoint in its recent report cited that Apple Watches made up to 35 per cent of the total growth in India in the second quarter this year. According to the market research firm, the number of Apple wearables sold in the country rose 16 per cent year-on-year from the same period last year.
Meanwhile, Fitbit’s market share doubled and it managed to capture the second position, followed by Samsung. Counterpoint reveals that while 34 million smartwatches were shipped globally last year, but India saw only 2,60,000 units being shipped, which shows that the segment is really minuscule here.
Apple Watch Series 4 is available for purchase in India through several authorized Apple resellers and Flipkart as well. The wearable available in two variants: GPS and GPS+Cellular have been priced starting at Rs 40,900. Apple Watch Series 4 comes in two new sizes: 40mm (up from 38mm) and 44mm (up from 42mm) with either stainless steel or aluminium casing.