The first-generation Apple Watch was unveiled on September 10, 2014, and officially released in April of the following year. It marked Apple’s entry into the smartwatch market and had a profound impact on the development of subsequent smartwatches. Before the debut of the first Apple Watch, several brands such as Garmin, LG, and Sony had already launched their smartwatch products. However, the market response to these earlier products was underwhelming.
When groundbreaking innovations emerge, they are often met with skepticism. Following the release of the Apple Watch, doubts were primarily centered around two arguments: “I don’t need it” or “It’s unnecessary.” But over time, personal experience has provided the answers.
01. Everyone Loves Smartwatches
TechInsights’ Wearable Device Research Service predicts that global smartwatch sales will reach 91 million units in 2024, a 5% year-on-year increase. It’s clear that smartwatches have evolved from niche gadgets to mainstream products.
Society today has broadly embraced the concept of “mobile connectivity.” Previously, watches were seen as accessories for others to notice, with their timekeeping function considered secondary. Now, people are breaking free from this social norm and wearing smartwatches. These devices allow users to focus more on their personal world than external perceptions.
At the 2024 Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024), numerous international brands explored the deep potential of wearable technology. Samsung unveiled its Galaxy Ring, a revolutionary smart ring with integrated sensors designed to fit snugly on the finger. In September, the Apple Watch Series 10 debuted with a brand-new design, 10% thinner and lighter than before. It also introduced depth and water temperature sensing for fresh health insights.
In terms of appearance, smartwatches can be as classic as traditional timepieces or more stylish and modern. Regardless of the design, the rich array of functions remains the key to their sustained growth.
Different brands, designs, and functionalities mean that smartwatches are available in price ranges from a few hundred to several thousand yuan. This ensures that consumers with varying requirements can find a brand and style that suits them.
02. Excelling in Niche Markets
Amid fierce competition, wearable technology has flourished across various segments, with consumers’ personalized needs driving changes in smartwatch products and consumption patterns.
TechInsights forecasts that the fastest-growing regions for global smartwatch sales include the Middle East, Africa (MEA), Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with compound annual growth rates between 8% and 10%. Among these, the Middle East and Africa are expected to see the highest growth rates.
This growth is tied to a cultural awakening among Muslim audiences. The wearable device market in the Middle East is undergoing a major transformation. From the surge in smartwatch adoption to the rise of compass-function watches, the industry has tapped into product functionalities, ideologies, and religious cultures to create a new wave of innovations.
The brand QiblaNav has embraced simplicity with its new product line, creating customized wearables designed specifically for Muslims to compete for market share.
Travel companions can now glance at their wrist to find the direction of prayer—Qibla Compass points you toward Mecca from anywhere in the world.
Friends who were just laughing at a TV show might suddenly start preparing for ablution—likely because their smartwatch issued a daily prayer reminder.
On a sunny day, your family member might hold their wrist under the sunlight—don’t be surprised; their smartwatch might have solar charging capabilities.
These unique experiences connect wearable technology enthusiasts, enabling them to explore the convenience and joy brought by technological advancements.
In addition to convenience, smartwatches offer activity tracking, sleep analysis, and health monitoring, drawing an increasing number of loyal users. “Sleep and health” are becoming more prominent in people’s lives.
At night, smartwatches continuously monitor sleep quality, tracking duration, proportions of deep and light sleep, and overall sleep health, then providing detailed analysis reports.
By monitoring blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and even recording electrocardiograms, smartwatches help users stay informed about their health. This data plays a crucial role in raising health awareness and preventing diseases. Acting as a combination of a personal assistant, doctor, fitness coach, and lifestyle manager, these wearable devices maintain constant skin contact, providing 24/7 service.
Consumers with diverse needs or preferences can easily find a brand and style that matches their requirements. For budget-conscious Muslim users, QiblaNav offers not only practicality but also a strong competitive edge in the market.
03. Transforming Spiritual Life
Wearing a smartwatch represents the adoption of a new lifestyle.
While smartphones have made life more convenient, their large, multifunctional screens can often be a source of frustration. They are a burden when running outdoors, a distraction with incoming calls during prayer, and sometimes an annoyance when a simple glance at the time turns into unintended engagement with new messages.
In contrast, smartwatches—with their compact screens and convenient functionalities—effectively reduce unnecessary distractions. They simplify life, allowing users to process information more efficiently.
The popularity of smartwatches stems not only from their convenience but also from their powerful fitness, sleep, and health monitoring capabilities. Equipped with built-in sensors, precise algorithms, and efficient chips, smartwatches continuously track the wearer’s physical condition and present this data for analysis and management. From your health status and calories burned to workout data, smartwatches keep you informed at all times.
In the future, as artificial intelligence and big data technologies become further integrated, wearable devices will feature even greater intelligence and personalization, offering users increasingly convenient and efficient services.
