Apple Force-Sensing Technologies Driving Growth in Touch Controller IC Market, Says IHS

Non-Apple brands and IC makers are responding to Apple’s use of Force Touch technology in the Apple Watch and 3D Touch in the iPhone 6 with their own force-sensing solutions for high-end and mid-range smartphones, said an IHS report Thursday. In 2016, worldwide force-sensing module shipments are expected to grow 317 percent to reach 461 million units, and 24 percent of new smartphones shipped will include the technology, IHS said. 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 analyst Calvin Hsieh. Touch controller IC makers for smartphones are developing new features to spur growth in the maturing touch panel market, said Hsieh.