Market for Mobile Processors Is Projected to Reach 1.9 Billion Units Annually by 2016

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 28, 2012 - The term “mobile processor” refers to a range of processors used in mobile CE devices, often referred to as applications processors and central processing units (CPUs). These highly flexible mobile processors are used in multifunction devices that combine computing, communications, entertainment, and/or productivity capabilities. Mobile devices include e-readers, handheld game consoles (HGCs), mobile PCs, portable media players (PMPs), smartphones, and tablets. New NPD In-Stat (www.in-stat.com) research, reports that the growth of mobile processors in 2011 exceeded 43% and is forecast to grow at a 22% CAGR through 2016.

“Although the total available market for mobile processors continues to grow, the emergence of industry leaders in the high-growth mobile device segment is becoming a key factor in the success of processor vendors,” says Jim McGregor, Chief Technology Strategist. “Just having a captive smartphone and tablet market has propelled Apple into second place for the entire mobile processor market just behind industry leader Intel. In 2012, Apple will likely capture the top spot, in terms of unit shipments, driven by the success of its iPhone and iPad. Other companies that benefitted greatly from new product releases or dominance by their OEM customers included Nvidia, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, and Samsung.”

Key research findings include:

• For all mobile devices, ARM is the dominant processor architecture with over 73% of all units shipped and is growing.
• Intel’s dominance continues in mobile PCs, while Apple, Qualcomm, and Samsung claim the top spots in other CE devices.
• Smartphones and tablets represent the greatest opportunity for growth with a combined 75% growth in 2011 and 29.3% CAGR expected through 2016.
• In-Stat anticipates consolidation in the mobile processor market beginning in the 2013/2014 timeframe.
• The release of Windows 8 later this year will be a pivotal point in the competition between the ARM and x86 processor architectures.

Recent In-Stat research, Mobile Processor Architectures, Devices, and Market Shares, Q4'11 (#IN1204993SI), examines the vendors, markets, and issues surrounding the mobile processor market. As the first in a quarterly series of reports on mobile processors and mobile graphics, the mobile processor report provides in-depth analysis on key issues in the market as well as unit forecasts:

Quarterly shipment forecast by mobile processor vendor

• Quarterly shipment forecast by application: mobile PCs, PMPs, HGCs, e-readers, tablets, smartphones
• Quarterly shipment forecast by processor architecture, including ARM, MIPS, and x86
• Analysis of key issues potentially impacting the market, including the battle between ARM and x86, the pending release of Windows 8, the make vs. buy decision, differentiation and integration, the growth of the low-cost segments, industry consolidation, technology adoption and migration, manufacturing, and legal issues
• Five-year outlook for the market
• Processor and vendor profiles for Amlogic, Anyka, AMD, Apple, Broadcom, Freescale Semiconductor, HiSilicon, Ingenic Semiconductor, Intel, Marvell Technology Group, MediaTek, NuFront, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Renesas Mobile, Rockchip, Samsung, Shanghai Jade Tech, Spreadtrum, ST-Ericsson, Texas Instruments, VIA Technologies, Vimicro, and ZiiLABS

This research is part of In-Stat’s Mobile Technology service, which provides analysis of the market for technologies, IP, and semiconductors that enable next-generation mobile devices, including processors, graphics, modems, GPS, displays, memory, storage, operating systems, software, and human interfaces.

Related In-Stat research:

• Mobile Graphics: Smartphones Beat the Drum to Which All Markets March
• Cellular Subscriptions and Handsets Database, Q1'12 Forecast
• Less is More: The Worldwide Emergence of Low-Cost Android Smartphones
• Smart Mobile Devices, Q1'12 Forecast
• Computing Devices, Q1’12 Forecast
• Smart Mobile Devices: Hardware Determines Usage for Smartphones, PMPs, Tablets, and Laptops
• Tablet Quarterly
• Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report

For more information, contact:

Jim McGregor, Chief Technology Strategist
Phone: 480-609-4554
Email: jmcgregor@In-Stat.com

Rick Vogelei, Product Marketing Manager
Phone: 480-483-4476
Email: rvogelei@in-stat.com

Report Info

• Title: Mobile Processor Architectures, Devices, and Market Shares, Q4'11
• Service: Mobile Technology
• Product Number: IN1204993SI
• Publication Date: March 2012
• Number of Pages: 62
• Price: $5,995 U.S. Dollars
• Abstract, Table of Contents, Figures & Tables
• Members Only Access: Full text PDF
• Contact a Sales Representative Purchase Online Now

About NPD In-Stat

NPD In-Stat’s market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. NPD In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions. Technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, service providers and media companies worldwide rely on NPD In-Stat to support critical business, product and technology decisions.