According to estimates from Fortune Business Insights, the global wearables sector is expected to reach $118.16 billion by 2028, driven by growing demand for wellness and preventive health technologies. For this reason, the wearable devices market continues to rise steadily.
With technological advancements and increasing integration with mobile apps, in addition to monitoring vital signs and physical activities, the solution also promotes healthy habits through gamification and artificial intelligence.
Companies in the sector have invested in experiences that go beyond simply tracking steps or heartbeats. New apps offer personalized challenges, rewards, and even competitions among users to increase engagement and adherence to healthy habits.
“Gamification has proven to be a powerful tool for motivating users, making the monitoring experience more interactive and engaging,” explains Rafael Franco, CEO of Alphacode, a company specializing in app development for the health, fintech, and delivery sectors.
Gamification and artificial intelligence in the user experience
The strategy, widely adopted in learning and productivity apps, has also solidified itself in the world of wearables. Platforms like Fitbit and Strava use daily challenges, performance rankings, and digital rewards to encourage users to maintain an active routine. According to a study by the Health Enhancement Research Organization, users who participate in group challenges are 50% more likely to achieve their fitness goals.
Another factor driving this market is the use of artificial intelligence to analyze and personalize data collected by wearables. Predictive models help identify behavioral patterns and offer personalized suggestions, such as reminders to stretch or adjustments to workout intensity based on heart rate and user history. “Artificial intelligence enables a more strategic approach to health monitoring, making recommendations more precise and efficient,” highlights Franco.
New opportunities for companies and startups in the sector
The segment opens new opportunities for companies looking to innovate in the industry. Major players like Apple and Samsung are already investing in expanding health monitoring features, including sensors to measure blood oxygen levels and detect cardiac arrhythmias. Additionally, startups have been betting on integrations with health plans and corporate wellness programs, creating solutions that help companies monitor and encourage healthy habits among their employees.
For Rafael Franco, the future of the sector lies in greater personalization and integration between apps and devices. “Companies that can offer immersive experiences, combining gamification, artificial intelligence, and personalization, will have a competitive advantage in this market,” he concludes.
With technological advancements and growing awareness of health and wellness, wearables and connected apps will continue to transform how people monitor their activities and care for their health. The challenge for companies will be ensuring these innovations are accessible and bring real benefits to users’ daily lives.
