More than 10 percent of Americans will use a smartwatch in 2019, the first time usage has crossed that threshold, according to a recently released forecast from eMarketer.
The forecast predicted that overall smartwatch usage will rise 9.2 percent over the prior year.
The report noted that while the overall wearables category is still “far from mainstream,” it said that one in five internet users will use a wearable at least once a month in the new year.
EMarketer defines wearable as any piece of clothing or accessory that comes with features that allow it to connect to the internet, including activity trackers, smart headphones, and smart bands. Smartwatches remain the dominant wearable, the study said. It predicted that more than one-half of wearable users will use one.
Most of the growth in wearables adoption will come, surprisingly, from older Americans, who will likely respond to the devices’ improved health features, eMarketer said. In 2019, 8.2 million Americans age 55 and older will use a wearable device, a 15 percent gain over the prior year, the firm said. Despite this, older Americans as a group have the smallest overall percentage of wearables adoption.
In a statement, eMarketer analyst Cindy Liu indicated the Apple Watch Series 4, which was released in September, could fuel some of the growth of the category, noting that it includes electrocardiography and fall-detection features.
The category is proving attractive in other ways. Liu said, “Specifically, LTE connectivity will be a huge driver, as it allows smartwatch users to stay connected while leaving their phones behind. Other improvements, like longer battery life, larger screens, and new health features, will be sure to attract new users.”
EMarketer said its forecasts use quantitative and qualitative data from research firms, government agencies, media firms, and public companies, plus interviews with top executives at publishers, ad buyers, and ad agencies.
Top: The Apple Watch Series 4 with gold stainless steel case (courtesy of Apple)
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