Q2 2018 saw a continuation of Amazon and Google's strategy of driving high shipment levels of their smart speakers at low prices in order to establish a strong user base to support their various service businesses. Over two thirds of the near 12 million smart speakers shipped during the quarter were either an Amazon or Google product. Apple increased its shipments from the previous quarter following its entry into three new markets during Q2. However, its high price continues to hamper demand for the HomePod. The Chinese market has grown rapidly so far this year as local players such as Alibaba, JD.com and Baidu follow the same strategic path set by Amazon and Google. As a result the Asia Pacific market has now risen to 20% of global smart speaker shipment demand.

This report provides quarterly global smart speaker shipments and installed base by major vendor and operating system from Q4 2014 through Q2 2018 with an estimate for Q3 and Q4 2018. Regions covered include North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & Latin America, Central & Eastern Europe and Africa & Middle East. This report updates and supercedes Global Smart Speaker Vendor & OS Market Share by Region: Q1 2018 published in May 2018.