Market Trends of Multi-touch Technology Industry
Increasing Use of Consumer Electronics is Driving the Demand
- The global consumer electronics industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years. The advancement in connectivity technologies and the availability of affordable display panels have significantly enhanced the adoption of touchscreen display units in many consumer electronics devices.
- A surge in digitalization and increased sales of smartphones and personal computers have created a potential space for multitouch technology in the global market. Decreasing cost of high-end electronics products and growing preference toward adopting updated technology are primarily driving the market for consumer electronics in various parts of the world.
- According to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the US consumer technology industry is projected to generate over USD 505 billion in retail sales revenue for the first time ever. The estimation represents a 2.8% revenue increase from 2021's impressive 9.6% growth over 2020. Strong demand for smartphones, personal health devices, automotive tech, and streaming services are expected to be among the major driving factors behind this growth.
- In the consumer electronics segment, the smartphone is expected to hold a major share in terms of multitouch technology adoption. The increasing penetration of these devices is expected to create significant growth opportunities. For instance, according to Ericsson, smartphone subscription is expected to grow from 6,259 million last year to 7,690 million in the next five years.
Asia-Pacific Projected to be the Fastest-growing Market
- The Asia-Pacific region has seen rapid growth in the multitouch technology market and is expected to sustain growth over the forecast period. Rapid urbanization has increased disposable income in the Asia-Pacific region, letting consumers spend on new technologies.
- Growing awareness about digital technologies is driving the adoption of smart consumer devices such as smartphones, wearables, etc., creating a favorable market scenario for the multitouch technology industry. For instance, according to Ericsson, smartphone subscriptions in Southeast Asia and Oceania region are expected to increase from 850 million in 2020 to 1,140 million in the next five years.
- Most major smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Panasonic, Huawei, etc., hail from this region. The region's large consumer base and expanding smartphone manufacturing footprint are expected to drive the demand for multitouch technology displays.
- In the last few decades, China has emerged to be the leading manufacturer of smartphones and other electronic products. The country is expected to hold a prominent position in the multitouch technology market owing to the increasing penetration of display devices and favorable government initiatives such as "Made in China 2025," supporting the industry's growth.
- Considering the growth prospects, some of the leading global players operating across various stages of the multitouch technology industry value chain are expanding their presence in the region. For instance, in January 2022, Wacom, a leading supplier of pen and multitouch sensor components for smartphones and tablet-type devices, expanded its presence in India by opening its ninth experience center.