True wireless stereo (TWS) shipments increased 9.4% yearly in the first half of 2022, according to a report from hardware consultancy Counterpoint Research. The share of TWS shipments from outsourced manufacturers increased from 83% to 87% in the first six months of this year. The report noted that the Chinese firms Luxshare and Goertek lead the sector, accounting for 17% and 16% of the outsourced TWS market in the first half of 2022 respectively due to “the popularity of the Apple AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro.” Both firms saw double digital percentage increases year-on-year in their shipments. Shanghai-headquartered firm Huaqin Technology and Shenzhen Horn Audio saw strong yearly growth of 51% and 45%, respectively, despite taking relatively smaller market shares in the reported period. Counterpoint Research analyst Bai Shenghao attribute Huaqin Technology’s growth to its partnership with Realme and Huawei. And the firm would “expand its cooperation with Oppo and Honor to grow its TWS business.” Bai added that a large order from Skullcandy drove the growth of Shenzhen Horn Audio. [Counterpoint Research]