Apple still leads the global wireless hearables market

The size of the global market for wireless hearables reached 33 million units in Q3 2019, growing 22% quarter-over-quarter according to the findings of Counterpoint Research’s Hearables Market Tracker.

Apple continued its leadership, but its share fell to 45% in quarter three from 53% in quarter two, due to growth among second-tier players, according to the research group. While Samsung slipped to third place, Xiaomi rose to second place thanks to a sharp increase in Redmi Airdots sales.Counterpoint Research’s Hearables Market Tracker

Geographically, the U.S. accounted for 31% of the global market and exceeded 10 million units for the first time in a single quarter. China grew 44 percent quarter-over-quarter in the third quarter.

Counterpoint Research says that since new powerful models, such as Apple’s AirPods Pro, Amazon Echo Buds and Microsoft Surface Earbuds have recently been released, consumer interest is increasing. Given the recent growth momentum and the effect of year-end promotions, the fourth quarater market is expected to show further high growth. Counterpoint Research expects the annual market to reach 120 million units in 2019.

“True wireless hearables are in line with future product strategies focused on voice communications from global tech companies and their efforts to create high-added value,” says Senior Analyst Liz Lee. “In particular, tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google are spreading AI voice assistants through mobile devices, and accordingly true wireless hearables will evolve into smarter devices by replacing and enhancing some functions of the current smartphone.”