TWS market shipments decline as OWS segment grows

The global true wireless stereo (TWS) market experienced a 0.7% year-over-year decline in the second quarter of 2026, with shipments falling to 82.1 million units. This marks the first annual decline since the second quarter of 2023. Major markets, including China, the United States, and India, saw shipment decreases, largely due to fading consumer electronics stimulus in China and pulled-forward replacement demand.

Despite the overall decline in conventional TWS, open wireless stereo (OWS) shipments grew by 12% to 11.1 million units. OWS now accounts for 13.5% of the total TWS market. Growth in this segment is driven by clip-on designs, which made up 61% of OWS shipments, and ear-hook models, which accounted for 39%. The entry-level OWS segment priced below $50 saw significant growth of 323%.

In product developments, Sennheiser has released the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, which features user-replaceable batteries to address product obsolescence. The new model includes Dolby Atmos support and an aerodynamic, fin-free housing designed for improved comfort and stability.