Apple, Samsung Dominate as World's Largest MEMS Buyers

IHS said that the two companies accounted for 37 percent of all global purchases of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices for consumer and mobile devices.

According to the market research firm, Apple bought MEMS product worth $499.8 million in 2011, followed by Samsung with $291.3 million. The entire market volume is about $2.1 billion. Compared to 2010, Apple's number was up by 139 percent from $209.2 million. Samsung climbed by 45 percent from $201.2 million.

 “The dominance of Apple and Samsung is due in to their successful smartphone and tablet offerings, which contrast dramatically with other Top 10 buyers who do not share the same level of success in either product offering or both,” said Jérémie Bouchaud, senior principal analyst for MEMS & sensors at IHS. “In the smartphone market, for instance, Apple’s iPhone is a category killer, while Samsung’s various smartphone models collectively enjoy massive share."

Bouchaud noted that "Apple’s lead in the tablet space is formidable given the unmatched dominance of the iPad."

IHS said that smartphones and tablets accounted for about 60 percent in value of the consumer and mobile MEMS market in 2011, and their share is projected to reach hit 67 percent by 2016. Gaming is no longer as important compared to that segment’s primacy in 2007, when Nintendo reigned as the top buyer for consumer and mobile MEMS, IHS said.

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