IFA 2025 preview: Wearables to expect at Europe’s largest tech show

IFA returns to Berlin from September 5 to 9, once again taking over the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The event remains Europe’s biggest consumer tech show, pulling in over 150,000 visitors each year. As always, companies will use the platform to show off current products and drop hints about what’s coming next.

What began in 1924 as a radio fair has grown into a major global stage for innovation. IFA has seen it all, from color TVs and cassette tapes to the rise of smartphones. This year’s IFA adds a Creator Hub focused on streaming and content tools, plus expanded zones for smart home and beauty tech. There’s also a test track where visitors can try out electric bikes and scooters between the halls.

From wearables to wonders

For wearable tech brands, IFA is a great launch platform. It’s not just about putting products on display. It’s about showing what’s possible when sensors, software and design all come together. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to rings and AR glasses, this is where ideas move from labs to wrist, finger or face. Companies use the space to test the waters, meet their audience and see what actually sticks.

Last year brought some unexpected launches. This time around, we’re expecting more of the same. Having said that – what is actually evident is that fewer wearable companies are attending as compared to earlier years.

As usual, Apple won’t be on-site. They never attend so don’t be too surprised about that. Another name that will be missing again in 2025 is Garmin. Up until a few years ago they were a regular. But it seems they opt these days to hold their own launch events. Mobvoi, Xiaomi, Suunto – are also not currently on the list of attendees.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

It seems Polar will also not be there. Which is a shame considering that have a product launch scheduled for September 3rd. Expected is their Whoop-style device, a screen-less discreet wearable that focuses on recovery.

Huawei is also on the missing list. They’ve, instead, scheduled their own event on September 19th in Paris. We are expecting the debut of Watch GT 6 at that gathering.

Still, plenty of other wearable brands will be there. Here’s a taste of what might be on offer.

IFA 2024: Wearable tech exhibitors

Fitbit and Google

Fitbit has remained notably silent in the past couple of years, especially in terms of hardware. In what must be a first for a long while, we have not seen a single new device from the company in the first 8 months of the year. The lack of updates is, no doubt, due to the ongoing consolidation after its merger with Google.

It seems that Google has picked up the mantle as far as smartwatches. We are expecting the company will proudly display the Pixel Watch 4. That one was launched only a few days ago. So the device should feature prominently at the Berlin gathering.

But don’t get your hopes up for Sense 3 or Versa 5. That probably will not happen as Fitbit doesn’t seem to be interested in the smartwatch space. A realistic possibility, though, is the launch of Charge 7. It has been two years since the last edition. A Luxe 3 is also a distinct possibility.

Samsung

Then there’s Samsung. It always takes over its own hall at IFA, and it’s packed wall to wall with everything from high-end TVs to robot vacuums and washing machines. You’ll usually spot a few wearables mixed in too.

There’s not much mystery this time around. The Galaxy Watch 8 lineup was unveiled a few weeks back, and Samsung will be showing off what the new models can do, especially the Ultra. Also worth watching is the Galaxy Ring. It made its debut last year. Will version 2 make a surprise appearance? Nothing has leaked so far, but stranger things have happened.

Zepp Health

Zepp Health is no stranger to Europe’s biggest tech stage. Last year, the spotlight was on the Amazfit T-Rex 3, which had more features than anything else they’d released up to that point. We like to refer to it as the best bang for your buck in rugged smartwatches.

What they have planned for this year is still unclear. It could be a new T-Rex model, or something entirely different. Perhaps the Amazfit Balance XT? They’ve sent us out a teaser invite, but it doesn’t offer any hints.

One detail worth noting is that Zepp Health won’t have an official stand at IFA. Instead, they’re hosting a separate event just five minutes from the Messe Berlin grounds.

Withings

Withings has confirmed they will have a display at IFA. Last year they debuted BeamO, a Star Trek-esque multiscope that allows users to perform a 4-in-1 health checkup of body temperature, heart, and lung health in under a minute.

We also saw the launch of ScanWatch Nova Brilliant in Berlin last September. It houses the smarts of ScanWatch 2, but with a design reminiscent of Scanwatch Nova.

As far as 2025, we have no idea what might doubt this year. No leaks so far so it’s a guessing game.

Others

Other names we are expecting include all the big smart ring manufacturers. RingConn, Ultrahuman and Oura are regulars at the gathering. Will one of them unleash something new?

Whoop will also be there but we are not really expecting anything new from the outfit. They’ve just released their next-generation devices.

Beyond these there will be plenty of others. One of these is Honor which debuted the Watch 5 last year. It has a beautiful large 1.85 inch AMOLED display. And let’s not forget Motorola – which has also confirmed attendance. We are expecting a revamp of the Moto 360 to launch later this year from the outfit.

So there you have it folks. It’s shaping up to be another exciting IFA. You can check out the full exhibitors list by clicking on this link.

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