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The global image sensor market size stood at USD 15.93 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 29.99 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.4%. Asia Pacific dominated the global market with a share of 44.13% in 2018.
The Image sensor market growth is supported by its central role in digital imaging, automation, and data-driven perception systems. Deployment spans consumer electronics, automotive platforms, industrial equipment, and public safety infrastructure, creating a diversified global footprint. Regional adoption varies, but the market demonstrates broad-based penetration across both developed and emerging economies, reflecting its foundational importance within modern electronic systems. The current Image sensor market size reflects sustained, multi-cycle demand rather than short-term device refresh trends.
Historically, market expansion was shaped by consumer imaging applications, particularly in mobile devices and digital cameras. Over time, growth diversified as sensors became essential components in automotive safety systems, machine vision, and healthcare diagnostics. This evolution marked a transition from consumer-driven volume growth to multi-industry value creation. The market has now entered a late-scaling phase, with maturity in some end uses offset by rapid expansion in others.
Short-term Image sensor market growth is supported by continued integration into smartphones, surveillance systems, and industrial automation. Medium-term growth is expected to accelerate as advanced driver assistance systems, robotics, and three-dimensional sensing gain broader adoption. Over the long term, the market outlook remains structurally positive as image sensors become core enablers of artificial intelligence–driven perception.
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning technologies is driving stronger demand for image sensors. As AI systems increasingly rely on real-time visual data, there’s a growing need for high-performance sensors that can capture high-resolution images while keeping power consumption low.
AI-powered applications in industries such as healthcare, automotive, and security are accelerating the adoption of image sensors, which now play key roles in areas like predictive maintenance, medical imaging, autonomous vehicles, and surveillance systems.
Consumer electronics is another major growth area, with rising demand for devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, and AR/VR systems. Automation is also expanding beyond manufacturing and processing plants into the automotive sector, where image sensors are integral to system infrastructure. These factors together are steadily fueling market growth for image sensors, particularly in automotive applications.
Moreover, the growing use of facial recognition in both security and consumer technologies is boosting demand for advanced image sensors with 3D sensing capabilities, creating strong opportunities for market expansion in the years ahead.
Sensors have become a driving force behind the semiconductor industry’s rapid growth, playing an increasingly vital role as technology and applications continue to evolve. They now form the backbone of modern automobiles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), next-generation medical devices, automated manufacturing technologies, smart buildings, and power management systems. At the same time, sensors are becoming more durable, precise, and intelligent—while also being more cost-effective and easier to integrate which makes them even more attractive for building smart infrastructure. In the early stages, charge-coupled device (CCD) technology gained popularity for its superior image clarity and sensitivity.
However, major advancements in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology have caused CMOS image sensors to outperform CCD image sensors in terms of shipment volume since 2004. Unlike CCD sensors, which use high voltage analog circuitry, CMOS consumes less power and is more compact in size. As a result, CMOS is chosen over CCD, which contributes more income to the image sensor market growth.
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Improved quality of image processing techniques and imaging technologies are expected to result in continuous development of image sensors. The image sensor functions as an electronic device capable of converting photons into an equivalent amount of electronic signal, thus, forming a digital image. Initially, the use of the image sensors was limited to the camera modules and related imaging devices. With continuous developing technological trends such as industrial automation, adoption of advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) in the automotive sector, and machine vision in robotics fields, the deployment of image sensors in these areas has gained popularity. This is further expected to attract high imaging sensor market revenue in the forecast period.
The Image sensor market is being reshaped by a shift toward intelligence-driven sensing architectures. Sensors are no longer passive components. They increasingly function as active perception units within automated and artificial intelligence–enabled systems. This transition is redefining performance benchmarks, design priorities, and value creation across the ecosystem.
One of the most influential Image sensor market trends is the integration of computational imaging and on-sensor processing. Stacked sensor architectures, embedded memory, and logic layers enable faster data handling and lower latency. These capabilities support real-time decision-making in applications such as autonomous driving, industrial robotics, and smart surveillance. Edge-based processing also reduces bandwidth requirements and improves system efficiency.
Three-dimensional sensing is gaining strategic importance. Time-of-flight, structured light, and stereo vision sensors are expanding beyond consumer electronics into automotive, healthcare, and industrial inspection. This shift reflects growing demand for depth awareness, spatial mapping, and environmental understanding. As these technologies mature, differentiation increasingly depends on accuracy, robustness, and integration rather than novelty.
Business models are evolving alongside technology. Sensor suppliers are collaborating more closely with system integrators, software developers, and artificial intelligence platform providers. This ecosystem-driven approach accelerates innovation while increasing switching costs for end users. Sustainability considerations are also shaping design choices, with emphasis on energy efficiency, longer product lifecycles, and reduced material intensity.
“Rising Popularity of ADAS System is Boosting Image Sensor Market Demand from Automotive Sector”
The modern automotive sector is booming rapidly by adopting emerging technologies such as machine vision, asset management, artificial intelligence, and related innovative technologies. Advanced driver assistant system having a 360-degree surround camera, and is gaining popularity due to its beneficial features such as 360-degree vision, anti-lock brakes, lane departure warning, electronic stability control, traction control, and adaptive cruise control.
ADAS infrastructure shows a major utilization of image sensors for its machine vision technology. ADAS technology has given a push to the concept of driverless cars or automated vehicles. These emerging concepts are expected to deliver a major contribution to increase the adoption of image sensors and drive the demand for image sensors during the forecast period.
The adoption of self-driving vehicles, as well as the transition to more advanced autonomous driving systems (ADS), are likely to drive demand for high-performance imaging sensors. Because these cars require complicated sensor fusion systems to function safely, image sensors, as well as radar and lidar systems, will continue to play an important part in the development of autonomous technology.
“Ongoing Shift to CMOS technology and improvement in image quality favoring image sensor market development”
Compact size, improved sensitivity, and efficient utilization of power are favoring CMOS image sensor adoption while suppressing CCD image sensor technology. CMOS image sensor technology became more popular since it offers improved image quality and reduces the manufacturing cost. Largely, developing CMOS infrastructure & the emergence of advanced imaging technologies is expected to increase the image sensor market size. For instance, Sony Corporation developed Back Side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensors in 2018 and it has been majorly adopted due to its high-resolution image quality. Thus, the adoption of CMOS imaging sensors has augmented the image sensor market revenue.
Growth in the Image sensor market is driven by the expanding need for visual data across digital, industrial, and safety-critical environments. On the economic front, continued investment in automation, smart infrastructure, and connected devices has elevated image sensing from a component-level consideration to a system-level priority. Organizations increasingly rely on visual inputs to enable monitoring, decision-making, and real-time control.
Technological progress is a primary accelerator. Advancements in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor sensor design, pixel miniaturization, and backside illumination have improved sensitivity, speed, and energy efficiency. These improvements have expanded viable use cases, particularly in low-light environments and high-speed applications. Integration with artificial intelligence processors has further increased sensor value by enabling on-device inference and real-time analytics.
Despite strong Image sensor market growth, several structural and cyclical constraints influence adoption dynamics and profitability. Supply chain concentration remains a critical risk. Advanced image sensor manufacturing depends on specialized fabrication processes and limited foundry capacity, increasing exposure to geopolitical disruption, capacity bottlenecks, and lead-time volatility. These constraints complicate long-term planning for both sensor suppliers and downstream integrators.
Cost pressure presents another challenge. As image sensors become more complex, development and fabrication costs rise. At the same time, commoditization persists in high-volume segments such as consumer electronics, compressing margins. Vendors must balance performance innovation with aggressive cost targets, particularly when serving price-sensitive device manufacturers.
Technology-related risks are also material. Rapid innovation cycles increase the likelihood of product obsolescence, especially in fast-moving applications like smartphones and surveillance systems. Integration complexity grows as sensors incorporate stacked architectures, embedded memory, and on-chip processing. These advances require close coordination across design, manufacturing, and system integration teams.
Regulatory and compliance considerations further shape market expansion. In automotive and healthcare applications, image sensors must meet stringent safety, reliability, and certification requirements. Compliance costs can slow time to market and raise entry barriers for smaller players. Data privacy regulations also affect adoption in surveillance and consumer applications, influencing Image sensor market share distribution across regions and use cases.
“CMOS Image Sensor Technology to hold a majority of the Image Sensor Market Share”
Based on technology, the scope of the market study covers CCD and CMOS image sensors.
In previous years, CCD image sensors dominated the global image sensors market. Later on, CMOS Image sensors trailed down the CCD technology by offering features such as low power consumption, small size, faster frame rate, ease of integration, and inferior manufacturing cost.
CCD sensors historically dominated high-quality imaging due to superior noise control and uniformity. They remain relevant in niche scientific, medical, and industrial inspection applications where image fidelity is critical. However, their higher power consumption, slower readout speeds, and manufacturing complexity limit scalability. As a result, CCD sensors account for a declining share of overall Image sensor market growth.
CMOS sensors represent the dominant and highest-value technology segment. Their advantages include lower power consumption, faster processing, higher integration capability, and cost efficiency at scale. CMOS architecture supports embedded logic, memory stacking, and on-chip processing, making it the preferred choice for artificial intelligence–enabled applications. This segment captures the majority of Image sensor market share and continues to attract the largest share of research and development investment.
The performance of image sensors has progressed due to the development of the CMOS image sensor technology. This has improved the penetration of CMOS technology in consumer electronics. Moreover, boosted performance and lower vending amount further lift the market for CMOS technology.
“Rising Popularity of 3D Imaging in Machine Learning likely to Fuel Image Sensor Market”
Depending on the processing type, the image sensor market is segmented into 2 dimensional (2D) and 3 dimensional (3D) sensors.
The existing scenario of the market showcases the major availability and utilization of 2-dimensional technology. However, emerging technologies such as machine vision, and computer vision are indicating 3D image sensors will hold major shares of image sensor market in the coming years.
Two-dimensional (2D) image sensors form the backbone of traditional imaging applications. They are widely used across consumer electronics, surveillance, industrial inspection, and medical imaging. While mature, this segment continues to evolve through improvements in resolution, sensitivity, and frame rate. Margins are moderate, with differentiation increasingly driven by performance optimization rather than basic functionality.
Time-Of-Fight (TOF) technology specifically deals with 3D depth-sensing applications. 3D image processing facilitates more precise and reliable depth sensing in various applications. For instance, Infineon Technologies AG is developing 3D image sensors for applications such as 3D scanning, 3D biometric identification, body tracking, and hand gesture.
Three-dimensional (3D) image sensors represent one of the fastest-growing and highest-value segments. These sensors enable depth perception and spatial awareness through technologies such as time-of-flight, structured light, and stereo vision. Adoption is accelerating in automotive safety systems, robotics, augmented reality, and healthcare imaging. Although volumes are lower than 2D sensors, pricing power and system-level importance drive superior margins.
Omni Vision Technologies Inc. is also developing 3D imaging machine vision in automotive applications to support the performance of emerging technologies. Besides this, incorporation of 3D image sensors in smartphones augmented reality (AR) applications, and 3D computational photography is offering opportunities for the image sensor market to grow.
“Consumer Electronics Segment Estimated to Lead Market during Forecast Period”
By application, the image sensor market covers consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, surveillance & security, and others.
With the adoption of disruptive technologies, most of the industries ranging from healthcare, automotive to defense are leading towards the utilization of image sensors, intending for use on a variety of applications.
Consumer electronics remains the largest application segment by volume. Smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices rely on multiple sensors per device, supporting steady baseline demand. However, intense competition and pricing pressure limit profitability. Value increases in premium devices that incorporate advanced features such as low-light performance, optical zoom, and depth sensing.
Automotive is a high-growth, high-margin application. Image sensors are integral to advanced driver assistance systems, in-cabin monitoring, and autonomous driving development. Stringent safety standards and long qualification cycles raise entry barriers, favoring established suppliers. This segment contributes disproportionately to long-term Image sensor market growth.
Healthcare applications include endoscopy, diagnostics, and surgical imaging. Demand is driven by precision, reliability, and regulatory compliance rather than cost alone. Volumes are smaller, but margins are higher due to customization and certification requirements.
Surveillance and security represents a structurally important segment. Growth is supported by urbanization, infrastructure protection, and public safety initiatives. While unit volumes are significant, differentiation depends on low-light sensitivity, dynamic range, and integration with analytics platforms.
Because of the increasing sales of smartphones, digital cameras, AR/VR devices, and high-definition television, the consumer electronics industry is predicted to contribute the most to the image sensor market. Furthermore, the usage of image sensors in the gaming and entertainment industries, particularly in motion capture systems, is expected to push their acceptance in a broader range of applications. Furthermore, improvements in digital content creation and e-commerce platforms have raised demand for high-quality photographs and videos, driving up demand for image sensors across a range of consumer platforms.
The expanding importance of 3D and 4K imaging technology in entertainment and streaming services is likely to generate more growth in the consumer electronics market. This trend, together with the advent of AI-powered cameras for smartphones and laptops, will greatly boost demand for advanced image sensor technology.
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With the increased sale of smartphones, the consumer applications of the image sensors have witnessed rapid development over the last few decades. High-resolution digital camera, high sensitivity & low noise DSLR camera, point-and-shoot cameras, tablet PC cameras, smartphones with the dual camera are collectively giving a push to the demand for imaging sensors in consumer electronics.
The commercialization of stacked image sensors for ADAS technology is likely to enhance growth in the automotive sector. Besides this, evolving technologies such as ADAS technology, driverless car, and automated vehicle systems are the major cabinets surrounding camera and visualization technology. The infrastructure majorly involves the deployment of an image sensor and imaging technologies.
The factors mentioned above is likely to aid in the expansion of the image sensor market during the forecast period. Leading market players such as Sony Corporation, ON Semiconductor and, Omni-vision represent technology development interest in consumer electronics and automotive imaging products. Hence, consumer electronics and automotive applications are expected to attract high imaging sensors market revenue in the forthcoming period.
The security and surveillance segment is one of the major application areas accountable for the growing demand for image sensing solutions. Advanced CCTV or surveillance modules need to be adopted due to their increased quality, high resolution, and three-dimensional vision.
Similarly, satellite photographs and radar images have enhanced due to advanced imaging sensors and technologies. The rising adoption of drones with high camera vision is becoming a prime factor for surveillance in defense. The increasing necessity of surveillance systems in industrial as well as commercial sectors has led to the higher adoption of CCTV cameras, drones and related imaging products.
Further, government policies and regulations focused on residential security and surveillance segment is also playing a significant role in the image sensor market landscape. Emerging optical scanning technologies, diagnostic technologies, and optical therapy are expected to supplement the image sensor market growth in healthcare applications. Industrial automation, and factory monitoring processes are also showcasing a surge in the adoption of image sensors, thus increasing the overall image sensors market size.
Demand in the Image sensor market is increasingly shaped by enterprise and industrial use cases rather than consumer volume alone. While smartphones and personal devices continue to absorb large shipment volumes, the most durable Image sensor market growth is coming from applications where visual data enables automation, safety, and decision intelligence. Adoption patterns differ markedly between large enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses, reflecting differences in capital intensity and system complexity.
Large enterprises dominate demand in automotive, industrial manufacturing, surveillance, and healthcare. These buyers integrate image sensors into mission-critical systems, where performance reliability and long-term supply continuity are essential. Use cases include advanced driver assistance, robotic guidance, quality inspection, and medical imaging. Procurement decisions emphasize certification, redundancy, and roadmap alignment rather than unit cost.
Small and medium-sized businesses contribute incremental demand, particularly in industrial vision, commercial security, and specialty healthcare devices. These users favor modular solutions and standardized sensors that reduce integration effort. Their adoption is often use-case specific rather than platform driven.
Key demand-driving industries include:
The global image sensor market is studied for five major geographic regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. These regions are further divided into countries.
Among these regions, the market in Europe is likely to witness high adoption of image sensors, further attributed to the rise in purchase of camera modules and smartphones. This is expected to contribute to the market development in the upcoming years. Europe shows balanced demand across automotive, industrial, and public infrastructure applications. Automotive manufacturers in the region drive adoption of advanced sensing for safety and autonomy. Industrial machine vision also represents a significant use case. Regulatory emphasis on safety, privacy, and sustainability influences procurement decisions and system design.
North America is also holding significant imaging market share. Technological development and innovative technology adoption rate increased the popularity of advanced imaging solutions in the region. Further, automotive, consumer electronics, and healthcare industries show superior adoption of the imaging sensor and products in the region. Latin America (LATAM) and Middle East & Africa (MEA) market are likely to exhibit a healthy growth rate due to increasing adoption of ADAS system and safety regulations in the region.
North America demonstrates strong demand from automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and industrial automation sectors. The region emphasizes high-performance sensors and advanced architectures rather than volume alone. Regulatory standards around automotive safety and medical devices shape adoption patterns, favoring suppliers with proven compliance capabilities. Research-driven innovation and early adoption of artificial intelligence–enabled vision systems support steady market expansion.
Asia-Pacific Image Sensor Market Size, 2018 (USD Billion)
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Asia Pacific continues to dominate the worldwide market due to the presence of major semiconductor manufacturers and rising consumer electronics demand in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. The region is projected to remain a vital innovation hotspot for image sensor technologies, aided by the growing presence of local technological titans such as Sony, Samsung, and OmniVision Technologies.
Asia-Pacific represents the largest and most strategically important region. It combines high-volume consumer electronics manufacturing with expanding automotive and industrial production. The region benefits from dense semiconductor ecosystems, strong supply chain integration, and proximity to major original equipment manufacturers. Government support for advanced manufacturing and automation further reinforces long-term Image sensor market growth.
In 2018, Asia Pacific (APAC) region contributed highest revenue in image sensor market and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period as well. In Asia Pacific, the rapidly growing semiconductor industry and the presence of market leaders have supported a surge in the growth rate of the image sensor market. The presence of key players such as Sony Corporation and the availability of a strong customer base is also accountable for expanding the image sensors market across Asia Pacific. Furthermore, the development of advanced infrastructure and increasing penetration of smart devices, smartphones, and digital services in APAC developing countries is likely to boost the market in coming years.
Latin America remains an emerging market with selective adoption. Demand is concentrated in surveillance, infrastructure protection, and industrial modernization projects. Economic volatility can affect investment cycles, but urbanization and public safety initiatives provide long-term opportunity.
This region is at an earlier adoption stage. Growth is driven by smart city development, infrastructure security, and industrial diversification. Large-scale projects create demand for robust, high-performance sensors, though skills availability and regulatory variability can constrain near-term expansion.
“Advancement in Camera Modules of Smartphones and automotive imaging technology is dominating Image Sensor market landscape”
The top five key players such as Sony Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., ON Semiconductor Corporation, STMicroelectronics N.V. and, Panasonic Corporation functioning in the image sensor market account for about three-fourths of the imaging sensors market share. The key image sensor market manufacturers have been actively modernizing their current image sensing offerings to achieve more precise, robust and in-depth sensing at optimized cost. In terms of technological innovation, the key players are mostly functioning of Time-Of-Fight (TOF) technology for 3D sensing.
Industry Preferring CMOS technology due to its low power consumption, improved sensitivity, robust and compact structure. Most of the key players contributed to the development of image sensors for high picture quality camera modules, drones, CCTV and smartphones as it is the fastest growing industry.
Vital players are developing 3D depth sensors that play a significant role in smartphones and for applications such as augmented reality, reliable face authentication, and improved photo functions, that are extracted through exact 3D image data.
The Image sensor market is highly competitive and technologically concentrated. Market leadership is held by a limited group of suppliers with advanced fabrication capabilities, deep intellectual property portfolios, and long-standing relationships with major original equipment manufacturers. These firms command significant Image sensor market share through scale, reliability, and sustained innovation.
Leading players compete on sensor performance, manufacturing yield, and integration support. Their strategies emphasize stacked architectures, embedded processing, and application-specific customization. Long qualification cycles in automotive and healthcare reinforce incumbent advantage and create high entry barriers.
Challengers and emerging firms typically focus on niche applications, specialized sensing modalities, or regional markets. These players differentiate through agility, targeted innovation, or cost optimization but often face constraints in scaling production and securing long-term contracts.
The competitive landscape is shaped by ongoing partnerships and selective consolidation. Collaboration between sensor manufacturers, semiconductor foundries, and artificial intelligence platform providers is increasingly common. Investment activity prioritizes capabilities in three-dimensional sensing, edge processing, and automotive-grade reliability rather than commodity imaging solutions.
Innovation is redefining the value structure of the Image sensor market. Sensors are evolving into intelligent perception units that combine imaging, processing, and analytics. This shift is driven by artificial intelligence adoption, which requires faster data handling and on-device inference.
Automation in manufacturing and inspection is accelerating demand for high-speed, high-accuracy sensors. Cloud connectivity supports system calibration, performance monitoring, and lifecycle optimization. At the same time, edge computing reduces latency and bandwidth usage, improving system responsiveness in real-time applications.
Digital transformation also influences cost structures. Advanced fabrication techniques improve yields and performance consistency but require significant capital investment. Software-defined imaging and firmware upgrades extend product lifecycles and support recurring value creation.
As digital ecosystems mature, competitive advantage increasingly depends on integration rather than standalone performance. Suppliers that align sensor design with artificial intelligence frameworks, software platforms, and regulatory requirements are better positioned to capture long-term Image sensor market growth.
The most attractive opportunities in the Image sensor market lie in high-complexity, high-reliability segments rather than mass-market volume plays. Automotive perception, industrial robotics, and healthcare imaging offer strong long-term potential due to regulatory protection, high switching costs, and sustained innovation demand.
Three-dimensional sensing represents a particularly compelling opportunity. Applications in autonomous systems, augmented reality, and spatial analytics continue to expand. These solutions command premium pricing and support differentiated value creation.
Geographically, emerging markets offer long-term upside as automation and infrastructure investment accelerate. However, near-term value is concentrated in regions with strong automotive and industrial bases.
From an investment perspective, short-term strategies favor suppliers with exposure to automotive and industrial programs already in production. Long-term strategies emphasize platform scalability, artificial intelligence integration, and manufacturing resilience. Organizations that combine sensor innovation with ecosystem partnerships are best positioned to capture durable value as the Image sensor market continues to evolve.
An Infographic Representation of Image Sensor Market
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The global Image Sensor market research report provides various key insights such as market trends, segmentation analysis, recent industry developments including mergers & acquisitions, macro, and microeconomic factors, ecosystem analysis, consolidated SWOT analysis, competitive landscape, competition matrix, and company profiles.
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ATTRIBUTE |
DETAILS |
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Study Period |
2015-2026 |
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Base Year |
2018 |
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Forecast Period |
2019-2026 |
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Historical Period |
2015-2017 |
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Unit |
Value (USD billion) |
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Segmentation |
By Technology
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By Processing Type
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By Application
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By Geography
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Fortune Business Insights says that image sensor market was valued at USD 15.93 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 29.99 billion by 2026
In 2018, the global market was valued at USD 15.93 billion
Growing at a CAGR of 8.4 %, the market will exhibit a healthy growth during the forecast period (2019-2026)
The consumer electronics segment is the leading segment in the market during the forecast period
The popularity of Advanced Driver Assistant System (ADAS) and growing approach towards the high-resolution camera in smartphones are some of the major growth drivers for the image sensor market
Sony Corporation, ON Semiconductor Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. are the top players in the image sensor market
Asia-Pacific is expected to hold the highest market share in the Imaging Sensor market
Adoption of CMOS sensors is likely to emerge as a prominent market trend
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