In the first quarter of 2026, Apple Watch dominated the Edge AI-capable smartwatch market, accounting for approximately 90% of global shipments. This significant lead coincides with a 70% year-over-year growth in Edge AI smartwatch shipments, which now represent 25% of the overall smartwatch market.
Edge AI refers to artificial intelligence processing that occurs directly on a device, eliminating the need for data to be sent to external servers. This on-device processing enhances real-time responsiveness and bolsters data privacy. In the context of smartwatches, Edge AI enables features such as immediate health monitoring and safety alerts without relying on cloud-based computations.
Apple’s dominance in this sector is largely attributed to its early integration of dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) into its devices. The introduction of the S9 chip in 2023, featuring a 4-core Neural Engine, allowed the Apple Watch to perform complex machine learning tasks directly on the device. This advancement facilitated real-time health insights and faster response times for features like irregular heartbeat detection and fall alerts.
Competitors have been slower to adopt similar technologies. Huawei introduced its Kirin W80 chip in 2025, enabling on-device processing for its “Celia” voice assistant. Qualcomm plans to enter the market with its Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, and Google is reportedly developing a Tensor-based wearable chip, though it has yet to be released.
The rapid growth of Edge AI in smartwatches is driven by increasing consumer demand for advanced health and fitness monitoring. Notably, shipments of devices capable of blood pressure monitoring have doubled, and those with sleep apnea detection have tripled year-over-year. The industry is now focusing on developing features for diabetes detection, highlighting the expanding role of smartwatches in health management.
Apple’s strategic investment in on-device AI processing has positioned it as a leader in the smartwatch market. As competitors work to develop similar capabilities, the emphasis on Edge AI is expected to drive further innovation and competition, ultimately benefiting consumers with more advanced and privacy-focused wearable technologies.
