Audio CODEC Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Function (With DSP, Without DSP), By End-use (Computer, Phones, Tablets, Over-Ear Headphones, TWS, Home Entertainment, Commercial, Automotive, Smart Home, IoT, Wearables, AR/VR) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2022-2030

Market Overview

The global audio CODEC market size was valued at USD 10,938 million in 2021. It is anticipated to generate USD 17,115 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period (2022–2030). An audio CODEC (coder/decoder) is a sort of audio IC (integrated circuit) that converts analog audio to digital data and reverses the process. These audio data converters include an analog-to-digital (ADC) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). CODECs are also utilized for encoding, decoding, compressing, and decompressing audio because they are data converters. Buses, such as linear pulse-code modulation (linear PCM), inter-IC sound (I2S), AC-Link, inter-integrated circuit (I2C), and serial peripheral interface, are used by audio CODECs to convey digital data (SPI).

Audio CODEC is used in various industries, including entertainment, gaming, consumer electronics, and automobiles. Audio CODEC's primary job is to convert analog to digital signals and decode digital to analog signals with a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio. It has the lowest harmonic distortion and uses the least amount of electricity. A new family of high-performance audio CODECs improves audio functionality and sound quality for next-generation portable devices. It can be used for various productivity and consumer electronics applications while still energy efficient.

Market Dynamics

Audio CODEC Market Drivers

Increased Smartphone Penetration

The smartphone market has become a significant element of global retail sales. Smartphones are multipurpose mobile devices with various characteristics, including mobile operating systems, hardware, and voice and text capabilities. Due to higher audio fidelity than MP3, smartphone businesses employ audio CODEC technologies like apple lossless audio CODEC (ALAC) and advanced audio coding (AAC) to deliver seamless audio and voice communication performance. Furthermore, the rapid 5G network rollout has risen in recent years; for example, Huawei predicted that by 2025, the number of 5Genabled smartphone users would account for one-third of all smartphone users in China. Due to the growing demand for 5G networks in emerging countries, the use of audio and voice devices based on audio CODECs has increased significantly.

Growth of IoT Devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new reality that has changed how smart audio devices are used for personal and business applications. Voice-assisted demand for IoT technologies is growing due to advancements in central technology and the spread of products like Amazon Echo, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Elgato Eve. Digital platform advancements connect various products to the Internet or allow them to operate wirelessly, advancing innovative technologies such as smart medical devices, sophisticated lock systems, and voice controller systems. As a result, the increasing saturation of smart home devices from consumer goods such as Samsung Smart TV, LG Vacuum Cleaner, Jibo, and Athom Homey drives demand for the Internet of Things, which drives the need for audio CODEC technology internationally.

High Demand for Energy-Efficient Audio

Wireless technology advancements, such as high-energy-efficient devices, are employed to meet the goal of lowering product energy requirements. Due to rising energy prices, demand for energy-efficient electronic devices has surged in recent decades. Consumer electronics and the automobile industry's technological improvements drive entertainment and other businesses to embrace energy-efficient audio technology like 6-layer Multi Col conventional speakers. Furthermore, the rise in demand for OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and HBO has sparked a new trend for home theatres, allowing for the adoption of energy-efficient audio systems, which drives demand for audio CODEC technology.

Surge in Disposable Income

A rise in consumers' discretionary income has led to an increase in those consumers' spending on consumer electronics, such as entertainment and safety systems. Developed nations, including the United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, have highly efficient infrastructures that integrate the most recent technological advancements in smart devices. Additionally, the rise in popularity of smart devices like smartphones and smart speakers has positively affected the demand for audio CODEC hardware.

Audio CODEC Market Restraints

Advent of Audio SoC

The appearance of new audio firms is developing SoC (system-on-chip) and similar products, which have improved speaker performance. New SoC-designed devices such as Bluetooth speakers, Mini/micro components, and USB DACs (digital to analog converters) are available from companies like Microsoft, ROHM, and Qualcomm Technologies, along with a range of software that allows OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to create optimized smart speakers in a variety of categories. As a result, it has become a substitute for audio CODEC software, which is used to create audio systems for cars, surrounds sound systems, smart gadgets, and numerous speakers, stifling industry growth.

Health Risks Associated with Audio Devices

Various environmental sounds can injure a person's ears, ranging from rustling to thunderclap and sounds higher than 85 dB. One of the most critical interventions for hearing loss is a rapid increase in hearing aids. In-ear or over-ear audio devices are feasible, but prolonged use can harm one's health, leading to high blood pressure and hearing loss. Humans are harmed by these devices, creating health problems like decreased focus, stress, and lack of sleep, all of which can lead to cardiovascular disease. Consequently, people are becoming more aware of the negative impacts of these audio devices, and they are taking steps to avoid using them, hampering demand for audio CODEC.

Audio CODEC Market Opportunities

Preference for In-vehicle Infotainment Systems

Increased demand for in-car entertainment or in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, which can provide music and video entertainment to users, has accompanied the growth of the connected automobile market worldwide. In-car entertainment systems use efficient audio technologies like advanced audio coding (AAC), MP3, and free lossless audio CODEC (FLAC) to encode and decode audio data. The need for audio CODEC technology in the automobile industry is expected to propel the market. Companies like Tesla have created a new entertainment system known as v10 in their electronic self-driving automobiles for entertainment purposes. Automobile OEMs' adoption of voice-enabled systems has influenced the demand for audio CODEC technology.

Broad Adoption of VR Technology

Virtual reality (VR) has been utilized by highly efficient medical and defense companies, such as the US and UK militaries, to assist treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and provide a boot camp experience to recruits, allowing them to adapt to military life quickly. Medics can even watch field surgery to empathize with their patients. The usage of virtual reality in hospitals, the military, and education has raised the demand for audio CODEC devices, which provide consumers with a more dependable and realistic audio experience. VR is becoming more popular in the sports industry than in other industries. As a result, the rise in virtual reality investments is likely to give a substantial potential for audio CODEC technology to expand in the coming years.

Increased Popularity of Gaming Consoles

Video game production, marketing, and monetization are all part of the video game industry. The desire for 3D video gaming based on virtual reality experiences propels the gaming console business to new heights. As a result, the audio CODEC-based audio systems in-game consoles market is expected to grow. Furthermore, to have a more profound knowledge of consumers, corporations are launching a variety of innovative techniques to launch premium and high-performance game consoles. As a result, future demand for the gaming business will be fueled. Furthermore, gaming consoles based on full 4k and VR are in great demand, driving growth in the HDTV, UHDTV, and FHDTV markets and affecting consumption for surround sound audio systems utilized in console gaming. The need for audio CODEC technologies in gaming and supporting systems is increasing.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Surpasses Other Regions 

By region, the audio CODEC market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest market share, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period. In Asia-Pacific, the introduction of 5G technology is estimated to propel consumer devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart speakers. Furthermore, significant economic growth in this region's developing countries, rising per capita income, and the emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are among the primary reasons driving the region's audio CODEC market. China and India are the most significant contributor to the market compared to other countries. Japan is growing the market gradually.

North America holds the second-largest market share and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9%, generating USD 4,924 million by 2030. IoT-enabled devices are driving demand for audio CODEC technology in North America. During the epidemic, wireless entertainment and communication devices have expanded across North America. High per capita income in North American countries like the US influences consumer electronics, entertainment, and communication equipment demand. North American investors have substantially invested in 5G infrastructure, enhancing the IoT sector. The US acquires the primary share in this region.

The audio CODECs market in Europe is expected to grow steadily. Demand for IoT-based devices like portable navigation devices (PND), emergency calls (eCall), systems, and smart speakers is one of the primary factors driving growth in the regional market. European governments have also begun raising 5G network technology expenditures, which is projected to drive future demand for portable and smart home applications. Germany and the UK have more market revenue compared to Italy and France.

Segmental Analysis

The global audio CODEC market is categorized by function and end-use.

Function-wise, the global audio CODEC market is segmented into With DSP and Without DSP.

The Without DSP segment is the major shareholder in the audio CODEC market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period. Manufacturers are boosting their need for without DSP audio CODECs to minimize the pricing of electrical devices, propelling market expansion throughout the forecast period.

The With DSP segment is the fastest-growing. Audio CODEC with DSP is used for noise suppression and echo-free sound in communication infrastructure. Advancements in technology and improvements in wireless infrastructure are driving this segment.

End-uses-wise, the global audio CODEC market is segmented into Computers, Phones, Tablets, Over-Ear Headphones, TWS, Home Entertainment, Commercial, Automotive, Smart Home, IoT, Wearables, and AR/VR.

The Phone segment occupies the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period. The rise of 5G technology, allowing more data to be sent over wireless networks to deliver higher performance and high-resolution audio and video experiences, has led to an increase in the number of devices, such as phones, which has led to the expansion of the market.

The Internet of Things (IoT) segment is the fastest growing among other end-uses. Due to the introduction of 5G network infrastructure, the IoT is likely to gain substantial market traction. Furthermore, rising per-capita income in North America and Europe encourages the adoption of IoT-enabled devices, accelerating market expansion.

Impact of covid-19

COVID-19 has positive and negative market consequences, as carbon emissions have decreased globally due to the lockout. COVID-19's reduction in emissions is a short-term benefit. Still, when industries and enterprises attempt to recoup some of their financial losses in the first quarter of the year, carbon emissions will rise dramatically. COVID-19 had a negative impact on global recycling efforts. Countries, notably the United States, have halted or decreased recycling programs to focus on collecting additional domestic waste or because services have been disrupted by the virus.

Also, with industries slowly returning to normalcy following the COVID-19 outbreak, this shift in workplace health and safety is expected to increase due to mandatory social distancing and continuous personal care through sanitization to eliminate even the tiniest possibility of COVID-19 spread. COVID-19 has impacted various companies' revenues, and if the lockdown is lifted, companies will turn their attention to operations to make up for their losses.

Recent Developments

• June 2022- Texas Instruments introduced new Sitara™ AM62 processors that help expand edge artificial intelligence (AI) processing into next-generation applications, expanding its history of delivering highly integrated processors. 
• March 2022- Analog Devices, Inc. introduced a millimeter-wave (mmW) 5G front-end chipset that addresses required frequency bands enabling designers to reduce complexity and bring smaller and more versatile radios to market faster.