Shipments of Wi-Fi ICs Grew About 28% Last Year; 802.11n Will Lead the Wi-Fi Chip Market in 2010


SINGAPORE - January 25, 2010

In 2009, worldwide shipments of Wi-Fi ICs increased approximately 28% compared to 2008, according to data from ABI Research. Total revenue achieved an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% between 2009 and 2014.

“Despite the uncertain macroeconomic situation, total market demand for Wi-Fi ICs is expected to keep growing” says industry analyst Celia Bo. “The demand for Wi-Fi ICs in mobile devices and consumer electronic devices are the two key engines for Wi-Fi IC’s market growth.”

In recent years almost all laptops, netbooks, MIDs and smartbooks have shipped with Wi-Fi embedded, a trend that will continue for some time to come. Wi-Fi IC placement in mobile handsets grew by more than 50% in 2009 and Wi-Fi-enabled handsets will account for 40% of the total of handsets shipped in 2014. Beyond the already established segments, portable media players with Wi-Fi have also seen strong growth which will continue through 2014.

More and more consumer electronic devices, such as digital still cameras, digital camcorders, TVs, DVD players, set-top boxes (STBs) are adopting Wi-Fi. The total shipments of Wi-Fi-enabled consumer electronic devices increased 33% in 2009 compared to 2008; the products with fastest-growing attach rates are digital camcorders, TVs, and set-top boxes.

“The most significant variation in Wi-Fi enabled products is the protocol type of the embedded Wi-Fi,” adds practice director Philip Solis. “802.11g has had the highest attach rate over the past few years, accounting for 50% of total Wi-Fi IC shipments in 2009. But 802.11n revenue surpassed that of 802.11g in 2009 as a result of higher ASPs; and 802.11n shipments will surge ahead of 802.11g starting this year. Between 2009 and 2014, unit shipment CAGR is forecast to reach 41%.”

ABI Research’s market data “Wi-Fi IC Market Share Analysis and Forecasts” addresses market and technical analysis of Wi-Fi ICs. The forecast information is organized by protocol, product application, client type, and vendor market share. 

This market data product is included in the firm’s Wi-Fi Research Service.

 

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advise thousands of decision makers through 28 research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.