Apple’s AirPods capture 60% of the wireless earbud market in December quarter

Apple’s AirPods captured 60% of the fully wireless earbud market during the December quarter, according to a new report by Counterpoint Research.

The size of the global market for true wireless hearables was 12.5 million units in quarter four of 2018, according to the research group. North America was the largest market, accounting for 24% of the volumes, followed closely by the Asia Pacific region excluding China and Europe.

In terms of brands, Apple was the clear leader. However, its share was dented as customers waited for the new generation of AirPods, which just launched, according to Counterpoint. The strong performance of second-tier brands, such as JLab and QCY, also had a negative impact on Apple’s market share, adds the research group.

Apart from Apple’s AirPods, the best sellers list featured premium models priced around $150-200. Jabra Elite Active 65t, Samsung Gear IconX, and Bose SoundSport Free featured were some of the premium models in the top 10 best-selling list. However, several low to mid-tier models priced under $100 also made their mark, the report adds.