Wireless earbuds market dominated by Apple, open-ear models are rising

AirPods helped Apple retain the top position in the global wireless earbuds market during the first quarter of 2026, with it and Beats accounting for nearly a third of all shipments.

Research firm Smart Analytics Global estimated Apple captured 23% of the global true wireless stereo (TWS) market during the January-through-March period. Xiaomi ranked second with an 11% market share, while Beats placed third at 8%.

Global TWS shipments increased 4% year over year during the quarter, while wholesale revenue rose 8%.

Apple also led the market by revenue. The company captured 44% of global TWS revenue during the quarter, helped by the premium pricing of AirPods.

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