BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Global shipments of smartphone accessories, namely wearable bands and true wireless stereo (TWS) devices, will exceed 200 million units and 350 million units respectively in 2021, according to a forecast by technology market research firm Canalys.

As the COVID-19 pandemic deepened globally, consumers turned their attention to smart wearable and smart hearable accessories. Canalys research showed that compared to smartphones, wearable bands and TWS earbud categories would be more resilient against the pandemic, with shipments projected to grow at a healthy rate of 32 percent in 2020.

"The pandemic will prolong replacement cycles for smartphones. However, the 'lipstick effect' will drive consumers to spend on smaller, less costly items during an economic downturn to meet their buying pleasures," said Canalys Research analyst Cynthia Chen.

Consumers' attention to health and wellness has increased significantly during the pandemic, which is a great opportunity for wearable devices, the research firm noted.

Engagement in indoor activities such as remote learning, working from home and home entertainment, as well as outdoor sports and recreation also continued to rise.

"TWS earbuds are expected to grow 39 percent in 2021 to reach over 350 million units, much more robust than wearable bands, which are expected to grow at 12 percent in the same year," Canalys predicted. Enditem

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