Apple 'within striking distance' of wearables leader - IDC

Apple's debut in the wearables market sees it just behind leader Fitbit

Apple's debut in the wearables market has seen it come "within striking distance" of the market leader Fitbit, according to figures from IDC.

Following the release of its Apple Watch earlier this year, Apple shipped 3.6 million units of the smart wearable in Q2 2015 and held a 19.9 per cent share of the market. This was just behind Fitbit, the market leader, which shipped 4.4 million units and had a 24.3 per cent share of the market, according to IDC.

Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst for IDC mobile device trackers, expects Apple to take pole position soon.

"About two of every three smart wearables shipped this quarter was an Apple Watch. Apple has clearly garnered an impressive lead in this space and its dominance is expected to continue," he said.

"And, although Fitbit outshipped Apple, it's worth noting that Fitbit only sells basic wearables – a category that is expected to lose share over the next few years, leaving Apple poised to become the next market leader for all wearables."

Ramon Llamas, research manager for IDC's wearables, said Apple's move into the market is positive for the other players.

"[Apple's] participation benefits multiple players and platforms within the wearables ecosystem, and ultimately drives total volumes higher. Apple also forces other vendors – especially those that have been part of this market for multiple quarters – to re-evaluate their products and experiences," he said.

"Fairly or not, Apple will become the stick against which other wearables are measured, and competing vendors need to stay current or ahead of Apple. Now that Apple is officially a part of the wearables market, everyone will be watching to see what other wearable devices it decides to launch, such as smartglasses or hearables."

IDC also expects further growth from Apple in this space, with it noting the Apple Watch has reached only 16 countries, and is only just "starting agreements with third-party retailers".

Coming behind Apple was Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi, which shipped 3.1 million units and had a 17.1 per cent share of the market. But IDC noted that its "limited distribution channels" have slowed its growth outside China.