The Xiao Tian Tian smartwatch has sparked controversy due to its 'tap-tap' feature that only works with the same brand.
Closed Social System: Children Are Forced to Spend More
Recently, the 'tap-tap' feature on the Xiao Tian Tian smartwatch has garnered attention. This feature is exclusive to the same brand of watch, causing many children to request their parents to buy the expensive model to fit in with their classmates. Parents are unhappy that what was originally meant for safety has become a 'social entry ticket'.
Sales Data Shows High Prices
According to the data, the share of Xiao Tian Tian smartwatches was only 27.8% in August 2026, but its sales accounted for 52.6% of the market. The flagship model Z12 starts at nearly 2,700 RMB, far exceeding that of an average smartphone. The closed system forces parents to buy expensive models out of necessity.
Industry Standards and Gray Market
Between 2015 and 2016, Xiao Tian Tian introduced the 'tap-tap' feature to prevent young children from randomly adding strangers online for safety reasons. New regulations on the 'Children's Smartwatch Safety Technical Requirements' mandate that different brands of smartwatches can exchange phone numbers and nicknames. These regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2027, with hopes to restore the true nature of children's smartwatches and return social rights to children and their parents.