Consumer Tech — focusing on smartphones, wearables in India
Guest Column: Ramsai Panchapakesan, President - Investments & Partnerships at Havas Media India, shares insights on the evolving consumer tech landscape and India’s wearables market
Marketing Moments
.jpg)
Wearable technology has emerged as a key aspect of modern living, revolutionizing how individuals interact with devices and monitoring their well-being. By integrating advanced sensors, processors, and software, these devices enable continuous data collection and analysis, offering unprecedented insights into health, fitness, and daily activities.
The Indian consumer wearables market is projected to reach approximately INR 58,720 crore by the end of 2025. This remarkable growth is being driven by rising health awareness and rapid technological advancements. In 2024, India accounted for around 3.8% of global wearable technology market revenue, positioning the country as one of the largest and fastest-growing markets globally, third only to the USA and China.
Technology has made consumers increasingly conscious and reliant on real-time data for their daily decisions. Notably, 70% of wearables in India now feature embedded AI, enabling personalized recommendations and more intelligent user experiences.
More than just fashionable accessories, wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are transforming how consumers approach health and fitness, contributing to the broader acceptance of technology in daily routines. Consumer technology has evolved from simple communication tools into a complex network of interconnected devices that enhance everyday life, boost productivity, and redefine human interaction. At the heart of this evolution are smartphones and wearables, two product categories that continue to dominate and reshape the tech landscape. As we move through 2025, new innovations, shifting consumer behaviors, and industry disruptions are defining the next phase of digital living.
Smartphones are rapidly becoming AI-first devices, with widespread adoption of on-device generative AI features such as real-time transcription, personalized assistants, and AI-enhanced photography. Leading brands are embedding neural engines directly into chipsets to process AI tasks locally for faster response times and enhanced privacy. Smartphone shipments in India are expected to reach 150–155 million units in 2025, making it one of the highest-value markets globally.
Smartwatches remain the dominant wearable segment, while luxury and fashion-forward smart rings are gaining traction. These devices now track advanced health metrics, with some features being approved for clinical use. Meanwhile, true wireless earbuds are evolving into multifunctional hearables offering translation, biometric tracking, and AI companionship.
Fast-growing trends in wearable tech in India include smart eyewear, AR adoption, fatigue tracking for athletes, and AI-enabled environmental control through 5G connectivity. Haptic smartwatches for the visually impaired are improving inclusivity, while rural adoption of wearables is bridging healthcare gaps via telemedicine.
Government programs like BharatNet and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are driving integration of wearables into India’s e-health ecosystem, though digital literacy and health awareness remain barriers, especially in rural areas.
India’s consumer technology landscape is evolving rapidly, with smartphones and wearables at the forefront of personalization, well-being, and connectivity. The market is expected to grow to INR 79,000 crore by 2030, marking a new era where technology is not just faster but more empathetic, inclusive, and impactful.
