According to Futuresource's latest Headphones Market Research update, Q1 2018 saw true wireless account for 31% of all in-ear product revenues in Q1 2018. As the average retail price continued to drop from $171 to $161 in Q1 2018, Apple AirPods maintained their dominance of the true wireless scene, compelling competitors to introduce lower-priced products at <$150.
Wireless capability had already penetrated 45% of headphones in Q1 and is instrumental in driving further uptake for many other features and form factors, including true wireless, neckbands, noise-cancelling and additional smart features.
"Brands are enthusiastically adding features, resulting in a 17% rise in the average retail price to $52. Across all categories, the highest price increase is in over-ear products, due to the impact of noise-cancelling and wireless technologies," commented Rasika D'Souza, Senior Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting.
Amongst other findings in the Headphones Quarterly Report for Q1, Futuresource notes that JBL achieved 100% year-on-year growth and is growing its presence across all segments, including in/on-ear, wired/wireless and sport.
www.futuresource-consulting.com
