IDC: Apple Watch will help boost shipments of wearables into Canada by 70% next year

IDC made its predictions for the Canadian information and communication tech market for 2015. According to its forecast, shipments of wearable devices into Canada will rise 70% next year, led by imports of the Apple Watch. The release of Apple's smartwatch should lead the way as 1.2 million wearables get shipped into the country in 2015. The Apple Watch, which Apple sees as both a tech and a fashion icon, could launch around Valentine's Day.

With a huge increase in imports of wearables into the country next year, it is obvious that Canadians will be buying smartwatches in 2015. A study by Nielsen found that while 3% already own a smartwatch, nearly half of them plan on adding a second smart timepiece in 2015. Canadians will also be buying smartphones from Chinese manufacturers. This year, shipments of smartphones from China into Canada rose by 50% over last year's figure. IDC expects to see double digit growth in Chinese smartphone shipments imported into Canada in 2015.

Mobile banking in Canada will be a hot growth ticket in Canada next year, if IDC is right. Canadian banks will try to develop mobile apps that keep Canadian banking customers engaged. That includes the whole gamut of possible features running from mobile payment systems, to active account management using a smartphone or tablet.

source: IDC via MobileSyrup