Spurred on by Apple’s use of Force Touch in the Apple Watch, and 3D Touch in the iPhone 6S line, IHS is seeing growth in force-sensing and other touch enhancements to mobile devices. Other brands and IC makers are now creating their own version of force-sensing solutions (see Samsung Follows Apple), although these are mainly for premium units due to the high cost.
IHS predicts that force-sensing module shipments will rise 317% in 2016, to reach 461 million units. 24% of new smartphones shipped will feature the technology.
“Aside from force sensing solutions, touch controller IC makers are aggressively expanding production of in-cell and on-cell touch displays to further improve touch interfaces for smartphone users”, said IHS’ Calvin Hsieh. These technologies will be used in 40% of all mobile phone touch panel shipments in 2014, and 50% in 2018. It is an attempt to spur growth in the maturing smartphone market.
