Huawei Boosts Smartwatch Sales by Registering Them as Medical Devices

Huawei Technologies Co. has found an unlikely way to boost sales of its latest smartwatches in the face of sluggish consumer spending in China: by registering them as medical devices.

After the launch of Huawei’s new Watch D2 smartwatch in November, buyers discovered they can charge it to their medical insurance rather than paying for it themselves. Since then, the watch has proven so popular at Chinese pharmacies that some have required customers to pre-order, while others have seen stock quickly sold out, according to media reports and social media posts.