The global market for wireless headphones grew significantly in the first quarter of 2025, with 78 million units shipped, up 18% on the same period in 2024, according to Canalys.
This growth is mainly driven by growing demand in emerging markets, notably in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
AirPods are still on a roll, and Apple remains the undisputed market leader, with 18.2 million units shipped in the first three months of the year, representing a market share of 23.3%. Xiaomi posted the biggest increase in sales in a single year (+60%). With nine million headphones shipments, the Chinese manufacturer now has an 11.5% market share in the sector.
Next in line are Samsung (5.6 million, 7.1% share) and Huawei (4.7 million, 6%). Indian manufacturer boAt (3.9 M, 4.9%) is in fifth place.
According to Canalys, the global market for wireless headphones is set to continue its growth throughout 2025, thanks in particular to innovation. The trend is for the development of value-added products, incorporating advanced features such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio, artificial intelligence (AI assistants, real-time translation) or integrated health sensors.
In addition, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly exporting their products, which are now very well distributed in Europe, Latin America and Africa, with strategies based on offers combining performance and competitive prices. – AFP Relaxnews
