(Yicai Global) Sept. 3 -- China's shipments of wireless earphones widened in the first half, while Apple led the market, followed by Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi.

Shipments increased by 24 percent to 42.6 million units in the six months from a year ago, according to a report released by IDC today. Some 64 percent of the devices featured true wireless stereo technology.

California-headquartered Apple held an 18.1 percent market share, while Shenzhen's Huawei had 10.1 percent and Beijing's Xiaomi 8.3 percent.

Small manufacturers are joining the field while intensifying rivalry, the consultancy said, adding that the threshold to enter the market is becoming lower as TWS systems mature.

Editor: Emmi Laine