In a new analysis titled „Haptics 2025-2035: Technologies, Markets, Players,” IDTechEx projects that the market for haptic feedback technologies will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2035, reaching USD7.1bn.
As manufacturers strive to increase both the number of actuation points and the quality of haptic response, this is anticipated to be primarily driven by the growing adoption of haptics in non-traditional markets, especially vehicle interiors, and by the rising cost of haptics per device across many segments.
„Most haptic implementations fall under the banner of tactile feedback, which simulates surface texture, typically using vibrational motion. The activators that generate this are a key area of innovation – these shape experiences that include input confirmation and replacing physical buttons to enable immersive, tactile experiences in virtual reality. The most recent major shift in this area has been the rise of LRAs (Linear Resonant Actuators). These provide a ‘clickier’ and more configurable haptic response than ERM (Eccentric Rotating Mass) motors they are widely replacing, since they accelerate faster and decouple frequency from amplitude,” Sam Dale, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, wrote in a recent analysis.
This year, further shifts are underway, with the use of surface haptics in applications, including automotive displays, growing and more emerging activator technologies, including VCMs (voice coil motors) and piezoelectric haptics, growing their market shares. Innovation has also taken place in other classes of haptics. Kinesthetic (force) feedback has widened with the deployment of Adaptive Triggers in Sony’s gaming controllers since the launch of the PS5. Thermal haptics offers another emerging dimension of tactile experience in the earlier stages of adoption; Italian startup WeART has blazed the trail here, recently releasing its second generation of haptic gloves featuring thermal haptics alongside other classes of haptic feedback to provide a full haptic experience.
WeART’s gloves are often paired with VR headsets to provide more immersive experiences. In terms of haptic innovation, the VR accessory market is important due to the development of advanced haptic wearables, even if its overall value is comparatively small. Innovation in activator design and the use of more activators per device to increase the level of feedback or replace more functions are key factors behind the overall trend of increased spending on haptics per relevant device. These are trends that arguably began in this market sector but are expected to spread more widely over the coming decade.
Smartphones have long been the most lucrative market for haptic technologies, representing 47% of the overall market in 2023, with the need for alerts and keyboard feedback meaning that virtually every smartphone contains a haptic activator, but the smartphone market is at saturation. Opportunities still abound, however. Apple introduced the haptic home button to the iPhone range way back in 2016 with the iPhone 7, using the device’s Taptic Engine (a specialized LRA) to simulate a solid-state button clicking. Haptic buttons are back in the latest iPhone 16 after a 6-generation hiatus, with two capacitive buttons being used to add a DSLR-like camera button feel and control mute and other functions. Haptic buttons are expected to provide a major source of growth within the smartphone industry in terms of increasing spend per device, with emerging actuator options, particularly piezoelectric, being good options here.
„Adoption of haptic feedback in new areas will be the other major growth driver. This is particularly true of its growing use in vehicle cockpits, where haptics perform roles from safety alerts to replacing physical buttons that control key driving functions. However, although haptic features have been adopted by many automakers, including Tesla, Hyundai, and Chrysler, feedback is not uniformly positive. VW recently abandoned haptic buttons in vehicle interiors, citing customer experience concerns. Adoption of newer actuator types may be one way that a premium experience could be delivered here, helping to convince consumers that solid state buttons are more than a cost-saving measure,” the expert concluded.
