Millennials remain the strongest wearables adopters. Half of the generation’s internet users are expected to use smart wearables by 2028. Their combination of buying power and comfort with technology continues to make them fertile ground for growth.

Gen Z is rapidly closing the adoption gap, on track to surpass Gen X users by 2028. The shift is driven by Gen Z's increasing disposable income as they enter the workforce, coupled with their enthusiasm for emerging technologies and AI-enabled features.

Despite this momentum, significant growth potential remains untapped, particularly among older demographics. While boomers show the lowest adoption rates of any generation, they stand to benefit most from wearables' health-monitoring capabilities—as demonstrated by Apple's FDA-approved conversion of AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids. Tech companies have an opportunity to reframe wearables into health tools for older consumers through tailored marketing messages, advertising on channels like Facebook and traditional TV, and partnerships with healthcare providers and senior organizations.

Read the full report, US Wearables Forecast 2025.