• Global smartwatch shipments are forecast to drop by 4% in 2026 as weak demand for replacements and rising component costs push ASP up by 12%.
• Smart ring sales will grow 53% to 6 million in 2026, driven by rising consumer awareness and increased retail availability.
• Smartwatch shipments to grow at a CAGR of 3%, reaching 195 million units by 2030, and shipments of smart rings will rise at 32% CAGR to reach 15 million units.

London, 17 July 2026: The global market for wearable devices is projected to decline by 3% in 2026 according to leading technology research and advisory firm FDM CCS Insight, as a surge in demand for smart rings is offset by slowing appetite for smartwatches. Shipments of smartwatches, which represented 90% of the total wearables market in 2025, are forecast to decline by 4% in 2026, with gradual recovery in 2027. However, sales of smart rings are set to grow by 53% from a small base.

The smartwatch category is struggling with replacement fatigue, with limited innovation deterring people from upgrading their devices. On the supply side, the ongoing memory crisis has started to have an impact on smartwatch production, and rising bill-of-materials costs for other components are compounding the pressure.

Ekta Mittal, Senior Analyst at FDM CCS Insight, commented: “Higher device costs and the trend of people choosing more-premium devices will drive up average smartwatch prices by 12% in 2026. Brands will soon pass on additional costs to consumers, resulting in higher prices for new releases and fewer discounts on older models during the upcoming festival season compared with 2025. Suppliers will increasingly seek out new device types for growth opportunities”.

The surge of growth in smart ring shipments is driven by increased retail availability and rising interest in health and wellness tracking among consumers. Oura remains the leader, and Ultrahuman recovered in the first half of 2026 following a temporary setback in 4Q25 when it faced a sales ban in the US. New voice-recording rings are expanding usage scenarios beyond health tracking.

Additionally, FDM CCS Insight expects renewed innovation in the smart rings space in response to the US Food and Drug Administration’s recent easing of regulations to allow low-risk wellness devices to be sold without approval. Smart rings are forecast continue to outpace the broader wearables market, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32% between 2026 and 2030.

As smart ring manufacturers continue to enhance health-related features, upcoming models are likely to command higher prices. Recent upgrades from Oura, Ultrahuman and Ringconn have already raised prices by up to $150 and analysts expect the overall average selling price (ASP) to increase by 9% in 2026.

“According to FDM CCS Insight survey research, 75% of smart ring owners also own a smartwatch. Smartwatches remain the primary wearable device, but people are increasingly adopting smart rings as a complementary device. This serves to expand the wearables ecosystem, instead of cannibalizing it”, added Mittal.

The full forecast is available now. Contact FDM CCS Insight for more information.

Notes to Editors

FDM CCS Insight’s Forecast: Wearable Computing, Worldwide, 2026-2030 assesses the global market for wearable computing devices, including detailed analysis of smartwatches, smart rings, virtual reality headsets, smart glasses and augmented reality devices. The forecast offers projections for shipments, installed base and sell-in value. The publication also provides insight from FDM CCS Insight’s consumer research informing these projections.

More details of FDM CCS Insight’s extensive research into connected devices can be found at https://www.ccsinsight.com/ccs-insight/research-areas/connected-devices/

About FDM CCS Insight

FDM CCS Insight is uniquely positioned to deliver market-leading data with trusted analyst insight, offering technology clients the context, foresight and confidence needed to shape strategy and drive growth. Backed by private equity firm Inflexion, FDM CCS Insight’s analysis is powered by industry-leading point-of-sale datasets. These provide an exceptionally accurate view of telecom market share and brand performance, enabling clients to optimize product portfolios, stay ahead of market fluctuations and drive sales efficiency.

Media Contact

FDM CCS Insight Media Relations: emma.bluck@ccsinsight.com