SANTA CLARA, CA — Total touchscreen module revenue will reach $16 billion this year, and will nearly double to $31.9 billion by 2018, as demand for smartphones and tablet PCs continues unabated.

Growth is being driven by increased demand from applications such as iPads and other tablet PCs, smartphones and emerging notebook PC designs. While the leading touch technology is projected capacitive touch, demand for other technologies is on the rise, said NPD DisplaySearch, whichsurveyed over 200 suppliers of touchscreen modules, controller ICs, ITO film, and other components.

Touchscreen penetration has rapidly increased in mobile phones, handheld games, and game consoles, as well as in tablet PC applications, which are forecast to collectively account for more than $13.6 billion in touch screen revenues this year. In addition, NPD DisplaySearch forecasts strong touch screen growth over the next several years driven by demand in larger display applications such as convertible/hybrid notebook PCs.

Mobile phones remain the biggest application for touchscreens in terms of unit shipments, accounting for three-fourths of units shipped in 2011. NPD DisplaySearch forecasts that 1.2 billion touchscreens will ship for mobile phone applications in 2012, up 68% year-over-year.

Tablet PC is a fast-growing application, however, with shipments reaching 79.6 million in 2011 and forecast to top 130 million in 2012 and 190 million in 2013. Revenues for touchscreens in tablet PCs are expected to grow by more than $3 billion in 2013.

Touch penetration is expected to increase dramatically in convertible/hybrid notebook PCs. The Ultrabook, which is promoted by Intel, will start to adopt touch screens by end of this year, and Microsoft Surface tablets will also integrate touchscreens. NPD DisplaySearch forecasts touch screen penetration on notebook PCs will increase from 2% in 2011 to about 8% in 2013.

Over the next few years, all-in-one PCs and automobile monitors are expected to contribute to touchscreen market growth as well. Touch technologies with high transmittance, low power consumption, multi-touch or gesture recognition will benefit the most. Currently, the leading touch technology is projected capacitive touch; however demand for other technologies is on the rise.

“Demand is growing for thinner, light weight, and lower cost touch panels and devices. In addition, we see strong touch screen growth over the next several years in larger display applications such as convertible/hybrid notebook PCs and all-in-one PCs,” said Jennifer Colegrove, Ph.D., vice president of emerging display technologies at NPD DisplaySearch. “Over the next few years, in-cell, on-cell, and sensor-on-cover touch technologies will surpass the add-on type projected capacitive touch.”

Figure 1. Touchscreen Module Revenue Forecast

Source: NPD DisplaySearch 2012 Touch Panel Market Analysis