TMCnet News
ABI Research Updates on Wearables and Smart Accessories Market Research [Professional Services Close - Up](Professional Services Close - Up Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ABI Research predicts Android is set to face a greater challenge for market share in the smart watch segment once Apple's new device becomes available in 2015. According to a company release, ABI Research forecasts Android's total market share of smart watches to fall below 50 percent for the first time since the smart watch renaissance of September 2013, which saw several new devices launched on the platform. iOS is set to take a significant 50 percent share. The number of Android based wearable devices shipped by the end of 2014 will hit around 6 million, with this figure set to rise to 15 million in 2015. "Android has enjoyed unprecedented success within this market with products such as the Samsung Gear series and Sony smart watches; however, the Apple Watch will pose a significant threat," said Thomas McCourtie, Research Analyst, ABI Research. "Judging by the previous sales performance of newly released Apple products, ABI Research anticipates a high number of sales of the Apple Watch upon its initial release. The iPad sold almost 5 million units during the first two quarters of release (2Q 2010 and 3Q 2010), and the Apple Watch will be no exception. The high number of loyal and affluent multiple Apple device owners alone will drive significant numbers of sales." Android's 2013 market share of all wearable devices totaled 75 percent. This is expected to fall to 67 percent by the end of 2014, and even further to 42 percent in 2015 following the launch of the Apple Watch, in which iOS will gain a 35 percent stake in the market. These findings are part of ABI Research's Wearables and Smart Accessories Market Research which includes Research Analyses, Market Data, Insights, and Competitive Assessments. Report information: abiresearch.com/market-research/service/mobile-device- accessories/ ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |