In recent years, the wearable technology industry has evolved from its early stage (1.0) to a more advanced phase (2.0), marking a clear shift toward independent use and integration with daily life. Industry analysts predict that by 2022, smartwatches will dominate over half of the wearable market. This trend is already visible as more companies have introduced smartwatch models in the past year.
Even traditional players like Fitbit and Garmin, who once focused on fitness trackers, have pivoted their strategies to enter the smartwatch space. With the release of devices such as the Fitbit Ionic and Garmin Vivoactive 3, it’s clear that the market is changing rapidly.
According to Forrester, smartwatches are expected to make up 55% of the wearables market by 2022, compared to just 21% in 2016. This growth is driven by several factors. One key reason is the declining cost of components, which allows more manufacturers to offer affordable smartwatches. Additionally, the target audience has expanded beyond niche users to include the general public, who now seek devices that support health tracking, notifications, mobile payments, and travel features.
Smartwatches are appealing because they combine multiple functions into one device, making them a versatile choice for consumers. Forrester also notes that manufacturers are focusing on improving user experience and interface design, as seen in products from Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin.
Beyond smartwatches, another major growth area in wearables is healthcare. The U.S. government is working to integrate wearable devices into the healthcare system, potentially leading to insurance companies subsidizing these devices to promote healthier lifestyles. Similar initiatives can be seen in programs like Vitality Life in the UK and the U.S.
However, there are challenges ahead. Many vendors still struggle to create wearables that fully meet consumer expectations—not just providing data, but helping users understand and act on it. Additionally, broader adoption depends on more insurance companies supporting wearable devices financially.
Other ongoing issues include limited app ecosystems and short battery life. Forrester suggests that manufacturers should explore innovative designs, such as the digital crown on the Apple Watch or the rotating bezel on Samsung models, to enhance usability.
Overall, Forrester predicts that smartwatches will play a central role in driving the wearable market forward. With the market expected to grow from $4.8 billion in 2016 to $9.1 billion by 2022, the industry is on the verge of reaching critical mass, thanks to continued innovation and expanding use cases.
SMD Electric Power tansformer ,POE transformer ,EP7 SMD tansformer ,EP13SMD tansformer，EPD SMD tansformer
IHUA INDUSTRIES CO.,LTD. , https://www.ihuagroup.com