In the third quarter of 2022, Apple, the U.S.-based manufacturer, captured a commanding 30.9 percent of the global headphone market. This share comes from Canalys’ quarterly market analysis, which highlights how a single brand can shape the segment through strong product ecosystems and sustained sales momentum. The report notes that Apple’s AirPods lineup drove the bulk of this success, helping the company ship 23.9 million devices during July through September. The result underscores the power of a deeply integrated wireless listening experience and effective retail and distribution strategies on a global scale.
Following Apple, Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, held a notable 9.6 percent of the market, reaching 7.4 million units sold in the period. In third place was BoAt, an Indian consumer electronics brand, with a 4.1 percent share. These figures illustrate how diverse regional players compete alongside tech giants in the growing wireless headphones category, each leveraging brand loyalty, price positioning, and distribution reach to secure a slice of the market.
Meanwhile, Belkin recently announced the first professional cleaning kit designed specifically for Apple AirPods. The kit features a dedicated cleaning solution that softens and dissolves earwax, along with a cleaning brush, a cleaning gel, and a microfiber cloth, aiming to help users maintain hygiene and device performance between more intensive cleanings.
Additionally, concerns about safety in wireless audio devices were raised by consumer testing agencies. In September, the head of Roskachestvo’s Center for Digital Expertise cautioned that wireless headphones and their charging cases can pose safety risks if manufacturing defects, aging, overheating, or physical damage are present, similar to smartphones which also rely on internal batteries. The warning serves as a reminder for consumers to follow manufacturer guidelines for charging and handling to reduce potential hazards while enjoying modern audio technology.