iPhone and iPad sales drive growth in MEMS microphone market
1 min read
The top four suppliers of MEMS microphones in 2012 were those that provided devices for Apple, IHS iSuppli has revealed.
Taking the number one spot was Knowles Electronics, followed by AAC, Analog Devices and Goertek.
Together, the above companies acheived combined revenue of $513million, equivalent to 88% of total MEMS microphone industry revenue of $583m.
Jérémie Bouchaud, director and senior principal analyst for MEMS & sensors at IHS, says the findings once again demonstrate Apple's power to ordain winners in the electronics supply chain.
He commented: "Microphones continue to be one of the best success stories in MEMS, with mobile device manufacturers adding increasing numbers of these devices to their phones to support advanced features, such as voice command and noise suppression.
"Multiple microphones are now being adopted in smartphones to cancel ambient sounds - crucial for handsets when carrying out voice command systems, such as Apple's Siri. Apple has led the way in the adoption of MEMS microphone technology, and has steadily added the number of devices used in each of its mobile products, compelling competitors to follow suit."
