You might think that after launching six smartwatches over the last year to very little fanfare, Samsung would be devastated by the positive reaction to the Apple Watch. Sure, Apple’s device has its detractors, but knowing Apple fans, there’s a high probability that the Apple Watch will make waves when it launches in early 2015. But even if Apple’s smartwatch does fly off store shelves, analysts say that Samsung will take it in stride.
FROM EARLIER: Apple rivals explain why they hope the iWatch is a smash hit
The Apple Watch “brings credibility, which may work to Samsung’s benefit,” says IBB Consulting Group’s Jefferson Wang. “Samsung entered a white space, which they had to build up themselves, and it’s a heavy lift to get developers involved and build the ecosystem.”
Samsung loosened the proverbial lid of the jar, but Apple might be the one to open it. If consumers start taking the smartwatch market seriously, Samsung is confident it will benefit as well, even if Apple takes the lead for the time being.
“They’re both going at it in different ways and, as in any new arena, there’s a lot of different ways to do this,” Wang said. “Consumers always want choice between two companies that people like to see go head to head.”
With Android Wear on the rise, Samsung might not be the only vendor to benefit from Apple’s success.
