The year 2021 has witnessed a remarkable surge in the demand for wearable technology, particularly among Gen Z, the younger generation. A recent report by Mintel revealed that smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds are gaining immense popularity in the UK.
The market for wrist-worn wearables, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, has experienced a 23% increase in ownership, currently valued at £5.13 million. Sales of fitness trackers and sports watches have reached £2.21 million, showing a 10% year-on-year growth. On the other hand, smartwatches have seen a remarkable 35% growth in sales, totaling £2.92 million.
Statistics show that 19% of Britons own a fitness band or sports watch, while 13% own a smartwatch. Surprisingly, 26% of consumers are planning to buy a fitness band, and 24% intend to purchase a smartwatch in the next year. The primary functions of smartwatches include exercise tracking (44%), music playback (38%), and social media access (30%).
Despite the rising popularity of wearable technology, there are concerns regarding barriers to entry, such as technical glitches and high prices. A majority of consumers (66%) view smartwatches as too pricey, which could potentially impact future adoption rates.
In addition to smartwatches, the demand for earbuds, such as Apple’s AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds, has surged. Currently, 10% of Britons own smart earbuds, a notable increase from 5% in 2018. Gen Z and younger Millennials are leading the trend, with 21% owning a pair of smart earbuds. Furthermore, 22% of all Britons plan to purchase earbuds within the next year, signaling a growing trend compared to only 12% last year. Among Gen Z, the intention to buy smart earbuds is even higher, with 47% planning to make a purchase in the upcoming year.
In conclusion, the demand for wearable technology is on the rise, especially among the younger demographic. This trend is expected to continue as more consumers recognize the convenience and functionality that smartwatches and earbuds bring to their daily lives.
For more information on wearable technology trends and products, check out these useful links:
1. TechRadar – Wearable Tech News
2. Wareable – Best Smartwatches
