18% of American consumers are about to purchase a wearable device in 2015

As the wearable technology market is on the rise across the globe, the independent market research agency Ipsos (the North American division Ipsos MediaCT, in particular) has decided to find our which brands attract American consumers more, and how popular wearable smart devices really are.

The study, conducted among American adults in October 2014, has shown that about 18% of consumers polled intend to buy a wearable device in 2015. This figure exceeds the number of those who intend to buy a streaming media devices (16%) or e-readers (15%), however, it is considerably lower than the intent to purchase smartphones (39%), laptops (28%), tablets (27%) or smart TVs (20%).

19% of these people want to use a wearable device as a fitness monitor (31% of 18-34-years-olds), while 13% would like to use it as a wearable computer (26% of 18-34-year-olds).

In terms of brands, the most desirable wearable device is Apple Watch (62%), followed by products by Google (44%), Samsung (43%), Fitbit (31%), and Sony (28%).

Despite the intent to purchase wearable devices in 2015, the respondents are also shared their concerns about possible privacy issues (45%), and health risks (42%) related to wearing such a device.

“In our study we’re seeing that there are two key characteristics influencing buyers when shopping in the wearable space,” explains Julia Roland, Vice President with Ipsos MediaCT. “First, consumers are looking for a product that seamlessly integrates across devices. Easy connection and integration with smartphones, laptops and tablets is essential. With this, comes the issue of brand confidence and reliability. Seven in ten intenders indicate that they will only choose a brand they trust. In consumers’ minds, these top companies can deliver in both regards.”

More figures from the research are available in the info graphics below.

Pic.: the infographics on the popularity of wearable devices in the US, brands and figures from the Ipsos research, 2014
Pic.: the infographics on the popularity of wearable devices in the US, brands and figures from the Ipsos research, 2014