As We Wait For Apple Watch Series 4, Study Shows Apple Watch Series 1 Still The King

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The Apple Watch Series 4 is just around the corner. On Thursday, the Cupertino company sent out press invites for its September 12 event at the Steve Jobs Theater, where it is expected to announce the Series 4 Apple Watch along with three new iPhones. As we eagerly wait for the Apple Watch Series 4, fresh data from Counterpoint Research shows that the Apple Watch Series 1 continues to dominate the smartwatch market.

Why is Apple Watch Series 1 still dominating the charts?

According to Counterpoint’s Global Smartwatch Tracker report for the second quarter of 2018, the Apple Watch Series 1 is the top-selling smartwatch on the planet. That’s quite surprising given the fact that Apple Watch Series 3 is much better than Series 1, and offers cellular connectivity. The Series 3 was the fourth most popular smartwatch during the second quarter, right behind the Apple Watch Series 1, Fitbit Versa, and AmazFit. Fitbit Ionic occupied the 5th place.

Apple Watch Series 1
Image Source: Counterpoint Research (screenshot)

Counterpoint Research said in a statement that the Series 1 Watch accounted for more than 90% of all Apple Watch sales worldwide. The Series 1 is cheaper than the Series 3, and there is little difference between the two models in appearance. Apple hasn’t updated the Apple Watch design since the original one which, coupled with a lower price tag, could be working in Series 1’s favor. The Series 1 runs an older dual-core S1 processor compared to the more powerful W2 chip inside the Series 3  model.

The market research firm added that consumers were buying the Series 3 only if they wanted the cellular model. The iPhone users are buying Series 1 as a non-cellular option over the Series 3 non-cellular model. Buyers are choosing the Series 3 “preferably if they want to add cellular connectivity.” It is hurting Apple’s bottom line and bringing down the average selling price (ASP) for the Apple Watch.

Apple continues to rule the global smartwatch market with an impressive 41% market share, reports Counterpoint Research. However, its lead over Fitbit shrunk during the second quarter. Fitbit’s market share went up from 8% in Q2, 2017 to 21% in the latest quarter, thanks to Fitbit Versa and Ionic. Fossil and AmazFit both had 4% market share each, while Garmin’s share was 3%. Samsung lagged behind with just 2% market share. Overall, the global smartwatch industry grew by 37% YoY, which is impressive growth.

Market Share
Image Source: Counterpoint Research (screenshot)

Apple Watch Series 4 could end Series 1’s dominance

Apple’s dominance so far is driven by the Apple Watch Series 1. But things could change with the Apple Watch Series 4 launch in September. The Series 4 will introduce the first major design change since the Apple Watch launch more than three years ago. Multiple leaks have confirmed it would feature reduced bezels and 15% larger display. Thanks to the bezel-less design, Apple would be able to pack a bigger display without increasing the overall form factor.

Folks at 9to5Mac have shared a leaked image of the Apple Watch Series 4, revealing its design changes. The leak shows a new Watch face that has enough room for nine complications, giving users more information at a glance. There could be many more Watch faces to take advantage of the bigger screen.

Apple Watch Series 4 Leaked Image
Image Source: 9to5Mac.com (screenshot)

The leaked image shows a new hole between the Digital Crown and the side button. 9to5Mac speculates it could be for an additional microphone. To denote the LTE watch, the Series 4 has a subtle red ring on the Digital Crown. Also, the side button appears more flush with the device’s body than previous versions. The Apple Watch Series 4 should go on sale later in September.

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