(Yicai Global) Sept. 22 -- China’s wearable device shipments plunged 23.3 percent in the second quarter from the same period last year, largely on faltering sales of True Wireless Stereo headsets, and smart watches for adults are now the segment with the most potential, according to the latest data.

Some 28.5 million wearable devices were sold in China in the three months ended June 30, according to a report by US market research firm International Data Corp. released today.

Smart bracelet shipments tumbled 40.2 percent to 3.8 million units while that of ear-worn devices sank 23.2 percent to 16.1 million, as True Wireless Stereo headsets lose their appeal after the market was bolstered earlier by a series of noise reduction updates and price reductions.

Sales of smart watches also fell 12.3 percent in the second quarter to 8.4 million units. But sales of the more expensive versions, priced at CNY2,000 (USD281) and above, surged 29 percent in the first half year on year, Massachusetts-based IDC said. This was because high-income groups are less affected by current economic pressures.

Luxury smart watches for adults are the most promising segment of China’s wearable device market this year and sales are likely to jump 8 percent, even though overall shipments may fall around 3 percent, IDC said.

Smart-watch vendors will gradually shift their focus to high-end products as they are more concerned about their bottom line than the volume of shipments amid the downward market cycle, the report said.

Editor: Kim Taylor