In its Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker, IDC estimates total shipments of smartwatches (which IDC categorises as wearables that can run apps) will reach 20.1 million units in 2016, up 3.9% on last year, but says volumes will grow to 54.6 million units with a total value of $17.8 billion dollars in 2020. The market for basic wearables (that can’t run apps) is expected to be 80.7 million units this year and 147.8 million in 2020.
