Smartphone LiDAR Market

Market Brief:

According to Reports and Insights analysis, the global smartphone LiDAR market was US$ 1.58 Billion in 2022.

Furthermore, the global smartphone LiDAR market to register a CAGR of 15.6% which is expected to result in a market forecast value for 2031 of US$ 5.82 Bn.

Lidar is a range-finding technique that involves directing a laser towards an object or surface and measuring the time it takes for the reflected light to return to the receiver. A laser, either in pulse or continuous wave mode, is emitted from a transmitter, and the energy reflected back is detected. By calculating the time of travel (ToT) of the laser, the distance between the transmitter and the reflector can be precisely determined.

Initially marketed as "LiDAR scanners" for iOS devices and "time-of-flight depth cameras" (ToF cameras) for Android, these sensors were primarily aimed at enhancing photo quality, such as improved camera focus and bokeh effect, and enabling augmented reality applications. However, their capabilities extended beyond these uses, proving to be valuable for scientific applications as well.

LiDAR sensors in smartphones are predominantly utilized to enhance photography through depth scanning capabilities. However, this versatile technology extends its application potential, presenting numerous new opportunities. The growing advertising efforts by manufacturers promoting LiDAR scanners for iOS devices and time-of-flight depth cameras (ToF cameras) for Android are expected to drive the demand for smartphone LiDAR.

Extensive analysis and insights are available to help businesses make informed decisions in this evolving industry.

Clarity and understanding of market trends help companies tailor their products to meet customer demands more effectively.

Read report overview and other sections to know more about market coverage and highlights taken from the full report:

Smartphone LiDAR Market Report Overview:

The global smartphone LiDAR market research report provides comprehensive insights into driving factors, restraints, opportunities, and trends, with provision of in-depth supporting information, data, and statistics and actionable insights. Though covered and provided extensively across the report, the data and information format are simple, yet dynamic in order to ensure ease of reading and understanding, as well as presenting and maximizing leverage and use.

Revenues and market share are provided in detail for previous years in order to showcase the evidence upon which our estimations and forecasts are based. Revenue growth rates and differences, as well as comparisons and relatable data are provided to further support all findings. Data points are provided for each year – from historical to end of forecast period – and this format is followed for each segment region and respective countries, as well as sub-segments and others. Vital details of major companies in the market are provided in the company profile section of the report. Cover includes financials, recent developments, research & development, strategies, product launches, agreements, expansion, mergers & acquisitions, and others. 

The global smartphone LiDAR market research report is segmented on basis of operating system, regions and countries. Regional segmentation includes North America (United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, BENELUX, NORDIC, and Rest of Europe); Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand, & Rest of Asia Pacific); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Rest of Latin America); Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of MEA).

Some more detailed insights on the market are provided below:

Global smartphone LiDAR market research has been exhaustive and the report provides in-depth details of the various factors, trends, patterns, and scenarios and aspects that have a direct or indirect impact, near-term or far-term on the market and products and services etc. Some more detailed insights on the market are provided below:

Better Quality of Photos: With Apple's introduction of a LiDAR scanner in the iPhone 12 Pro, the adoption of this technology is anticipated to increase in the future. The primary application of LiDAR in smartphone cameras is to recognize faces and generate 3D models of the environment. Consequently, LiDAR sensors are primarily utilized to enhance photography and capture better photos.

3D Scanning & 3D Models: The widespread use of detection sensors in smartphones has led to a revolutionary impact on the real estate industry through 3D scanning. The integration of LiDAR sensors by Apple in their products has been a major catalyst for this advancement. LiDAR, functioning as a pulsed laser with nanosecond speeds, enables the creation of highly accurate 3D models, surpassing the capabilities of a standard camera.

Application in Augmented Reality (AR): The primary application of LiDAR technology is in augmented reality (AR) where it finds widespread use. Numerous companies, including Facebook, Snapchat, Microsoft, and potentially Apple, are exploring technologies that blend real and virtual elements, such as augmented reality glasses. With such advancements, LiDAR technology is anticipated to take center stage in the smartphone market in the coming years.

What Factors Are Restraining Growth of Smartphone LiDAR Market?

Despite the various positive factors and growth prospects in the global market, some restraints and factors are having negative impacts on revenue growth. Some key factors include:

High Cost of Integration: The high cost of smartphone LiDAR technology can be a significant hindrance to its market growth. Implementing LiDAR sensors in smartphones requires advanced components and precision engineering, which can increase the overall cost of the devices. As a result, smartphones equipped with LiDAR tend to be positioned in the higher price range, making them less accessible to budget-conscious consumers.

Lack of Awareness Among Consumers: The lack of awareness among consumers about the benefits and functionalities of smartphone LiDAR can also impede its adoption. Many users may not fully understand the potential applications of LiDAR technology beyond improved photography and augmented reality features. As a result, they may not perceive the added value of investing in a smartphone with LiDAR capabilities, especially if the cost is significantly higher than standard smartphone models.

Size & Form Factor: Engineering issues arise when LiDAR sensors are integrated into the small, sleek design of smartphones. It can be challenging for manufacturers to ensure that the LiDAR components integrate flawlessly into the device's design without sacrificing other crucial features and functionality.

What are the Opportunities for Leading Smartphone LiDAR Manufacturers?

Companies operating in the global smartphone LiDAR market can leverage various opportunities and revenue streams to drive growth and profitability. Below are some avenues and insights:

Integration into Metaverse: In 2022, the concept of the Metaverse brought about a fresh perspective on the importance of 3D sensing technologies in the market. The Metaverse relies on advanced 3D sensing technologies like virtualized worlds and digitization, along with interactive techniques such as eye and lip tracking, to create immersive virtual experiences and interactions.

Emerging Applications in Multiple Industries: In addition to its applications in scientific and engineering domains, LiDAR technology finds extensive use in various fields, including the evaluation of food quality, healthcare, and more. It has been integrated with advanced technologies to enhance people's health and well-being. Apple, for instance, plans to leverage LiDAR to enhance the augmented reality capabilities of its smartphones. However, this technology also holds significant potential to pave the way for numerous other technological advancements that are of great interest to healthcare providers and other industries.

Positioning as a Photography Enhancer: LiDAR-equipped smartphones are currently employed predominantly for enhancing picture quality through depth scanning techniques. Nevertheless, the versatile nature of this technology presents a plethora of other potential applications, leading to new opportunities on the horizon. The rising promotion and marketing efforts by manufacturers of LiDAR scanners for iOS and time-of-flight depth cameras for Android devices are expected to drive the demand for smartphone LiDAR even further.

Indoor Navigation & Mapping: LiDAR-enabled smartphones can help with indoor navigation and mapping, making it simpler for users to move around vast interior locations like malls, terminals, and museums. Applications for location-based services and marketing can especially benefit from this.

What are the factors driving the growth in Smartphone LiDAR integration in Asia Pacific region?

Due to the rapidly increasing number of smartphone users, rising disposable income, and increased interest in cutting-edge technologies, the Asia-Pacific region is the dominant market for smartphone LiDAR adoption. India, China, Japan, South Korea, and other nations are anticipated to play a significant role in the market. The booming e-commerce and gaming sectors in the area, along with the rising acceptance of AR and VR applications, are anticipated to fuel a demand for smartphones with LiDAR sensors. The ability to manufacture products and the region's emphasis on smart city efforts may also encourage the use of LiDAR technology in a range of industrial and urban applications.

What are the factors driving the Smartphone LiDAR demand in North America region?

Due to the presence of top technological companies and early adopters of cutting-edge mobile technologies, North America is anticipated to be a large market for smartphone LiDAR. Smartphones with LiDAR capabilities have taken up quickly in the region, especially in the United States and Canada. Increased interest in 3D scanning capabilities, improved photographic features, and the popularity of augmented reality applications all contribute to the need. The region's strong emphasis on technical innovation and improvements in sectors like gaming, entertainment, and automotive also helps to fuel the expansion of the smartphone LiDAR market in North America.

Does Europe account for a prominent Smartphone LiDAR market share?

Due to the region's large smartphone user base, as well as the growing desire for improved AR experiences and 3D scanning applications, Europe is another attractive market for smartphone LiDAR. Smartphones with LiDAR capabilities are anticipated to be widely adopted in nations like the Nordics, Germany, the UK, and France. Furthermore, LiDAR integration in autonomous vehicle and industrial automation applications is made possible by Europe's robust automotive and industrial industries.

What is the Outlook on Smartphone LiDAR Sales in Latin America?

The smartphone LiDAR market in Latin America is expected to expand steadily as the continent gradually adopts LiDAR technology. Due to the growing popularity of augmented reality (AR) applications and developments in digital entertainment, nations like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are anticipated to be among the first to adopt smartphones with LiDAR technology. The demand for better photography, videography, and augmented reality experiences is projected to drive the adoption of LiDAR technology as smartphone usage in the region rises.

Why Middle East & Africa region is characterized by a diverse market landscape?

The smartphone LiDAR market is anticipated to gradually expand in the Middle East and Africa area. Due to their innovative digital initiatives and growing smartphone user bases, nations like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are poised to take the lead in the adoption of smartphones with LiDAR technology. Smartphone LiDAR integration may be facilitated by the region's enthusiasm in cutting-edge technologies for uses in entertainment, gaming, and tourism.

Companies & Competitive Landscape:

The landscape in the global smartphone LiDAR market is characterized by presence of several key players, thus adding to the level of competitiveness. These companies focus on technological advancements, product innovation, and strategic collaborations to gain a competitive edge. Market competition is driven by factors such as pricing, product performance, customer service, and global market reach, leading to a dynamic and evolving competitive environment.

Company List:

• Sony Depthsensing Solutions
• Lumentum
• AMS AG (Austria Micro Systems)
• STMicroelectronics
• Velodyne Lidar
• Infineon Technologies
• ams OSRAM
• Texas Instruments (TI)

Research Scope

Report Metric	Report Details
Market size available for the years	2021-2031
Base Year	2022
Forecast Period	2023-2031
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	15.6%
Segment covered	Operating System and Region
Regions Covered	North America:  The U.S. & Canada   Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Rest of Latin America    Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, ASEAN, & Rest of Asia Pacific    Europe: Germany, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, BENELUX, NORDIC, & Rest of Europe   The Middle East & Africa:  Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of MEA
Fastest Growing Country in North America	U.S.
Largest Market	Asia-Pacific
Key Players	Sony Depthsensing Solutions, Lumentum, AMS AG (Austria Micro Systems), STMicroelectronics, Velodyne Lidar, Infineon Technologies, ams OSRAM, Texas Instruments (TI)

Market Segmentation:

By Operating System:

• iOS
• Android

Segmentation By Region:

North America:

• United States
• Canada

Europe:

• Germany
• The U.K.
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Poland
• BENELUX
• NORDIC
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific:

• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• ASEAN
• Australia & New Zealand
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America:

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

Middle East & Africa:

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel