Sony Aims for 50% Market Share with CMOS Image Sensors

The image sensor market is on a steady growth trajectory, with projections indicating a significant increase in value. According to industry experts at Yole, the annual market is expected to reach US$28.6 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 4.7 percent over the period from 2023 to 2029. This growth is being driven by an expansion of product offerings in various imaging technologies such as x-ray, UV, SWIR, polarization, and multispectral imaging, signaling a shift towards electromagnetic spectrum sensing.

In terms of market share, Sony has been making notable strides, with its share rising to 45 percent in 2023 from 42 percent in the previous year. This increase comes as competitors like Samsung and Omnivision have seen a decline in their market presence. The dynamics of the CMOS image sensor market have been evolving rapidly, as evidenced by the shifting market shares in 2021 and 2022, as reported by Yole Group.

One of the key trends observed in 2023 is the growing demand for image sensors in the automotive sector, which has been compensating for weaknesses in the smartphone segment. While this trend is expected to continue in the short term, there are indications that the balance may shift in 2024. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, with a focus on integrating more sensors and cameras into vehicles to support advancements in autonomous driving technologies.

Looking ahead, Florian Domengie, an imaging analyst at Yole Group, predicts substantial growth in the automotive image sensor market, with projections indicating a rise from US$2.3 billion in 2023 to US$3.2 billion by 2029, driven by a 5.4 percent compound annual growth rate. This underscores the increasing importance of image sensor technology in the automotive industry's evolution towards smarter and more connected vehicles.

As the market landscape continues to evolve, the Chinese smartphone market is expected to rebound by 2024/2025, particularly focusing on high-end models. In response to geopolitical challenges, smartphone OEMs like Huawei and Honor are turning to local CMOS image sensor suppliers to ensure a stable supply chain. This shift is benefiting companies such as Omnivision, SmartSens Technology, and GalaxyCore, as highlighted by insights from Yole.