Smart devices in the Apple store: US edition

In Apple retail stores, the proportion of smart peripherals is becoming increasingly diverse, changing the previous impression of accessory areas filled with screen protectors and phone cases. I have previously introduced the growing number of smart peripherals in China's Apple retail stores, and it's the same in American Apple retail stores. In San Francisco's only official Apple store, there are already display cabinets filled with various smart peripherals like the ones mentioned.

A large part of these peripherals are wearable devices. The variety of smart devices in American Apple retail stores far exceeds that available domestically, indicating a more mature demand for such products locally. Additionally, I noticed a significant feature: there are a lot of smart home products here, not just smart wearables.

To summarize briefly, the characteristics of the U.S. smart wearables and peripheral market are as follows:

1. Products are much more diverse than domestically.

2. Apple stores are just a snapshot, representing all products connected to iOS devices.

3. Smart home products are more diverse than smart wearables, with higher user acceptance.

4. Smartwatches are not as popular; their functions, positioning, and demands are not yet fully developed.

5. Professional products such as heart rate monitors for sports and cycling are more mature in the U.S. market.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this further.

Philips' smart light bulbs come in single packs and three-packs. This is a very mature smart home product that can be controlled via smartphone after installation. Traditional home appliance giants have already begun researching smart home products.

A similar product from accessory manufacturer Belkin, the smart switch.

This is the Nest temperature and humidity sensor that Sohu IT has reported on multiple times before. It's also a well-known product in the smart home community.

A small weather station – doesn't it remind you of Sina's WeChat weather station? Looking at these smart devices sold in the U.S. market, many quickly bring to mind domestic imitators.

A smart scale for testing changes in infant weight.

A small camera for monitoring infant sleep.

A smart camera product that can also be remotely controlled via smartphone.

In terms of smart wearable products, Fitbit products take up a large proportion. There is a greater variety of Fitbit products available domestically in the U.S., compared to Jawbone UP, though the latest Fitbit Force is not yet available. Nike FuelBand and Misfit Shine occupy relatively prominent positions.

The Mio smart heart rate watch – this was the only smartwatch product I saw. The concept of smartwatches does not seem as popular in the U.S. as it does domestically. A key reason is that, compared to the aforementioned products and smart home products, smartwatches do not have as strong a single demand function.

A smart bike computer.

A robotic ball toy.

This should be iHealth's blood glucose meter product – a vendor I am quite familiar with. Although iHealth is a Silicon Valley brand, it is made by Tianjin Jiuan Medical in China.

A smart sports heart rate belt.