Apple Watch Sales Drop 19% as Users Label Them ‘Glorified Notification Screens’
Apple Watch Sales Decline Amid User Fatigue and Rising Competition
[Image: Original Apple Watch and latest model comparison with caption: The Apple Watch, once hailed as Apple’s "most personal device," faces a 19% sales drop in 2024.]
A decade after its debut, the Apple Watch is losing its shine. Recent data from Counterpoint Research reveals a 19% global sales decline in 2024—its steepest drop yet—despite launching the S10 series. The broader smartwatch market also shrank by 7%, marking the first-ever yearly decline.
Why Users Are Disconnecting
Many attribute the slump to notification overload. Social media buzzes with complaints, including one longtime user on X: “After 9 years, I realized I hated constant wrist alerts. Switched to a regular watch and won’t go back.” Reddit threads echo this, with users calling the device a “glorified notification screen.” Others compared fitness tracking to a relentless Tamagotchi, calling the experience “overwhelming.”
[Image: Graph showing Apple’s 19% decline vs. competitors’ growth, captioned: Global smartwatch sales dipped 7% in 2024, with Apple lagging behind rivals like Xiaomi (+135%) and Huawei (+35%).]
Market Shifts and Missed Opportunities
Counterpoint analysts blame Apple’s decline on weak upgrades and stiff competition. The absence of an Ultra 3 model and minimal S10 improvements deterred buyers in North America, while patent disputes disrupted shipments. Meanwhile, brands like Samsung and Imoo gained traction with budget-friendly and feature-rich alternatives.
A Nostalgic Return to Analog
Some users are ditching smartwatches entirely. Reddit threads highlight a preference for traditional timepieces, with one commenter noting: “I love a beautifully made watch that lasts a lifetime—not constant buzzing and data tracking.” Others admitted keeping their Apple Watch solely for workouts.
[Image: Side-by-side tweet and Reddit post criticizing notifications, captioned: Users cite intrusive alerts and data tracking as key frustrations.]
How to Silence the Noise
For those keeping their devices, disabling notifications is simple:
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap My Watch > Notifications.
- Select the app and choose Notifications Off.
Apple allows customization—like muting specific email accounts—to reduce clutter.
[Image: iPhone screen showing notification settings, captioned: Turning off alerts takes just a few taps in the Apple Watch app.]
While Apple hasn’t commented, the downturn signals a need for innovation as rivals gain ground. For now, many users are opting for simplicity over smart features.
MailOnline reached out to Apple for further details.
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