Global Smartphone LiDAR Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The smartphone LiDAR market is expanding rapidly as device manufacturers integrate compact depth-sensing modules to enhance photography, augmented reality (AR), and spatial intelligence capabilities.

• Increasing demand for high-precision 3D sensing in flagship smartphones is driving adoption of LiDAR technologies such as time-of-flight (ToF) and direct time-of-flight (dToF).

• Growth in AR/VR ecosystems and spatial computing applications is accelerating the need for accurate depth mapping and real-time environment reconstruction.

• Advancements in VCSEL lasers, infrared sensors, and computational imaging algorithms are enabling the miniaturization and cost reduction of LiDAR modules.

• Leading smartphone brands are using LiDAR to differentiate premium devices by offering superior camera autofocus, low-light performance, and enhanced AR features.

• Asia-Pacific remains the largest production base due to strong semiconductor manufacturing and supply-chain ecosystems in China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

• Integration of AI-driven imaging pipelines and 3D modeling capabilities is improving LiDAR performance for both consumer and developer applications.

• Cross-industry partnerships between smartphone OEMs, LiDAR manufacturers, and semiconductor suppliers are accelerating commercialization of next-generation miniature sensing modules.

Smartphone LiDAR Market Size and Forecast

The global smartphone LiDAR market was valued at USD 1.46 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.89 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 22.1%. Market expansion is fueled by rising consumer demand for advanced computational photography, increasing interest in AR-enabled entertainment, and growing adoption of LiDAR in mobile 3D scanning applications. Apple’s deployment of LiDAR in high-end iPhones and iPads set a benchmark for depth-sensing capabilities, prompting other manufacturers to explore similar integrations. Progress in optical components, chip-scale LiDAR, and laser packaging is reducing module size, power consumption, and cost—key factors driving mass-market adoption. By 2031, LiDAR is expected to become a common feature in premium smartphones, with potential trickle-down adoption in mid-range segments.

Market Overview

Smartphone LiDAR systems use laser-based depth sensing to measure distance and construct high-precision 3D maps of surrounding environments. These systems typically include a VCSEL emitter, infrared photodiodes or SPAD arrays, and a depth-processing engine. LiDAR enhances autofocus performance, improves low-light imaging, supports AR applications, and powers advanced spatial measurement tools. As smartphones evolve into multifunctional sensing devices, LiDAR plays an increasingly central role in enabling realistic AR experiences, real-time 3D modeling, indoor navigation, and object detection. The ecosystem includes semiconductor manufacturers, optical component suppliers, smartphone OEMs, and AR software developers. While LiDAR adoption is growing, challenges remain in cost, power efficiency, and miniaturization for broader deployment across device price tiers.

Future Outlook

The future of the smartphone LiDAR market will be shaped by advancements in solid-state LiDAR, integrated photonics, and AI-enhanced depth algorithms. Ultra-compact dToF modules will enable faster, more accurate depth sensing with lower energy consumption. LiDAR will increasingly support emerging spatial computing ecosystems, enabling seamless digital-physical interaction across AR, VR, XR, and metaverse applications. Integration with on-device AI accelerators and neural imaging engines will dramatically improve scene reconstruction, real-time segmentation, and object tracking. As global OEMs prioritize 3D sensing to differentiate flagship devices, LiDAR penetration is expected to increase year over year. By 2031, smartphone LiDAR will become a fundamental enabling technology for mobile AR, next-generation imaging, indoor mapping, and gesture-based interaction.

Global Smartphone LiDAR Market Trends

• Growing Use of LiDAR for Computational Photography Enhancement
  LiDAR technology is increasingly used to improve smartphone camera performance by enabling faster autofocus, superior low-light detection, and precise depth segmentation. It enhances portrait mode accuracy, reduces noise in dim environments, and improves subject detection across complex lighting conditions. Computational photography algorithms use LiDAR depth maps to refine edge boundaries and bokeh effects. OEMs are leveraging this capability to differentiate flagship cameras and compete in the high-end mobile imaging market. As consumers prioritize camera quality, LiDAR-enabled imaging features will continue to gain traction in premium smartphones. Over time, this trend will also support photogrammetry and 3D capture applications accessible directly from mobile devices.

• Rising Adoption of LiDAR in AR, VR, and Spatial Computing Ecosystems
  LiDAR-equipped smartphones are becoming central to the development of immersive AR and spatial computing platforms. Accurate depth sensing enables real-time environment mapping, stable object anchoring, and enhanced motion tracking, making virtual objects appear more realistic. Developers are increasingly building AR experiences that rely on high-fidelity spatial data. LiDAR is also used for gaming, education, navigation, and enterprise applications such as remote assistance and industrial visualization. The transition toward spatial computing in consumer electronics further reinforces LiDAR’s role as a foundational sensing technology. This trend is expected to accelerate as ecosystems expand around AR headsets, mixed-reality devices, and interactive digital content.

• Advancements in Miniaturized Solid-State and dToF LiDAR Modules
  Rapid improvements in miniaturization and integration are making LiDAR modules more compact, energy efficient, and cost-effective for smartphone deployment. Solid-state architectures eliminate moving parts, improving reliability and environmental durability. Direct time-of-flight (dToF) sensors deliver higher accuracy and longer range, enabling more detailed depth maps. Innovations in SPAD arrays and integrated depth processors reduce power consumption while improving frame rates. Miniaturized VCSEL emitters and wafer-level optical elements support slim smartphone designs without compromising performance. These advancements lower the barrier to adoption across broader smartphone tiers. Continued research in chip-scale optical packaging will accelerate commercialization of next-generation LiDAR solutions.

• Increasing Integration with AI and On-Device Neural Processing
  AI-driven depth processing is becoming a critical enabler of LiDAR performance in smartphones. Neural networks are improving depth accuracy, noise reduction, edge segmentation, and object detection across diverse lighting conditions. On-device AI accelerators process LiDAR point clouds to support real-time AR interactions and 3D recognition tasks. Machine learning enhances multi-sensor fusion, combining LiDAR with RGB cameras, inertial sensors, and ultrasonic modules to create more robust and reliable depth models. As AI hardware becomes more powerful and efficient, LiDAR capabilities will scale to support next-generation mobile applications. This fusion of LiDAR and AI represents a major evolution in smartphone computational sensing.

• Growth of Mobile 3D Scanning and Consumer Measurement Applications
  Consumers are increasingly using LiDAR-equipped smartphones for 3D scanning, home measurement, room modeling, and furniture placement via AR. LiDAR improves measurement precision and reduces the need for manual tools. Apps for architecture, interior design, home renovation, and e-commerce leverage LiDAR to create accurate digital twins of physical spaces. The rise of creator and developer communities building 3D assets for AR/VR environments is further boosting usage. As scanning tools become more user-friendly, smartphone LiDAR will accelerate democratization of 3D content creation. This trend will strengthen LiDAR’s role beyond photography, extending into professional and creative workflows.

• Growing Industry Collaboration and Vertical Integration in the Supply Chain
  Smartphone OEMs, optical component manufacturers, and semiconductor companies are forging deeper partnerships to accelerate LiDAR development. Collaboration focuses on optimizing VCSEL lasers, photodiode arrays, and depth algorithms for mobile use cases. Vertical integration—seen in OEMs designing custom LiDAR hardware—reduces costs and enhances performance alignment. Supplier partnerships ensure consistent quality, higher production yields, and improved module miniaturization. As competition intensifies, leading brands invest in LiDAR co-development with technology partners to gain early access to next-generation components. This collaborative model is expected to drive continuous innovation across the smartphone LiDAR ecosystem.

Market Growth Drivers

• Growing Demand for Advanced 3D Sensing in Smartphones
  Rising consumer expectations for enhanced imaging, AR applications, and real-time scene understanding are driving adoption of LiDAR-based 3D sensing technologies. Smartphone OEMs are prioritizing LiDAR to differentiate flagship models and support next-generation features. Increasing interest in spatial computing and immersive digital experiences strengthens long-term demand. Device manufacturers see LiDAR as critical to future-proofing smartphone platforms. This growing appetite for depth-enabled applications serves as a primary growth engine for the LiDAR market.

• Increased Adoption of AR/VR and Metaverse-Related Technologies
  The rise of augmented and mixed reality ecosystems requires accurate environment mapping capabilities that LiDAR is uniquely positioned to provide. Smartphone LiDAR supports AR gaming, spatial visualization, and enterprise workflows such as remote collaboration. As metaverse applications expand, mobile LiDAR becomes an essential interface for bridging physical and virtual spaces. Hardware-software synergy in AR engines further motivates OEMs to adopt LiDAR across premium devices. This multi-sector expansion in AR/VR adoption significantly amplifies market growth.

• Advancements in Semiconductor and Optical Component Technology
  Technological progress in VCSEL arrays, SPAD photodetectors, and integrated optical packaging is reducing LiDAR module cost and size. Improvements in wafer-level optics, depth-processing silicon, and low-power emitters support mass-market scalability. These advancements enable smartphone-integrated LiDAR modules that deliver higher accuracy, longer range, and faster frame rates. Supply-chain maturity is further improving cost efficiency and manufacturing consistency. This technological momentum is a powerful driver of market expansion.

• Rising Use of Smartphones for Professional and Industrial Applications
  LiDAR-equipped smartphones are increasingly used for architecture, construction, site modeling, spatial measurement, and digital asset creation. Professionals value the convenience and portability of smartphone-based LiDAR tools compared to standalone scanners. The ability to generate 3D layouts quickly supports remote work, digital planning, and field workflows. As industries adopt mobile-first digital tools, LiDAR becomes instrumental for operational efficiency. This broadening of industrial use cases contributes strongly to market growth.

• OEM Efforts to Enhance Differentiation in Premium Smartphones
  Smartphone brands use LiDAR to create premium differentiation in crowded markets. LiDAR improves camera performance, AR capabilities, and 3D scanning—critical features for high-end consumers. OEMs invest in LiDAR to maintain competitive edges and to respond to rising consumer preference for advanced imaging technologies. Marketing strategies further amplify the value of LiDAR-equipped devices, boosting adoption. Premium smartphone growth directly drives LiDAR penetration across flagships.

• Expansion of Developer Ecosystems and 3D Content Creation Tools
  Growing availability of 3D creation software, AR frameworks, and developer tools encourages app developers to build LiDAR-enhanced experiences. Tools such as ARKit, ARCore, and 3D scanning applications leverage LiDAR depth maps to deliver higher fidelity. The expanding developer ecosystem encourages more innovation in AR entertainment, measurement, design, and visualization. As developer activity strengthens, demand for LiDAR-enabled devices increases correspondingly. This feedback loop between hardware adoption and software innovation reinforces long-term market growth.

Challenges in the Market

• High Integration Costs Limiting Adoption in Mid-Range Smartphones
  Although LiDAR is increasingly common in premium devices, cost barriers restrict adoption in mid-range smartphones. High-performance VCSEL emitters, SPAD arrays, and depth processors remain relatively expensive components. OEMs must balance performance improvements with affordability for mass-market segments. Cost-sensitive consumers often prioritize other features, limiting market penetration. Until component costs decrease further, LiDAR adoption will remain concentrated in flagship devices.

• Power Consumption and Thermal Constraints in Slim Smartphone Designs
  LiDAR modules require significant processing power and emit laser pulses that can impact device thermals. Managing heat dissipation and battery consumption within slim smartphone designs is challenging. High-frequency depth scanning can reduce battery life, especially in AR applications. OEMs must optimize power efficiency through hardware acceleration and algorithmic improvements. These constraints complicate high-density integration and limit continuous LiDAR usage. Addressing power management issues is crucial for broader adoption.

• Limited Consumer Awareness of LiDAR Capabilities
  Many smartphone users remain unaware of LiDAR’s advantages beyond photography enhancements and AR applications. Low awareness reduces feature utilization and undermines perceived value. Without strong understanding of practical applications, consumers may not prioritize LiDAR-equipped models. OEM education, marketing, and third-party app ecosystems are essential to improving awareness. Limited consumer knowledge remains a moderate barrier to growth.

• Competition from Alternative Depth-Sensing Technologies
  Depth-sensing alternatives such as structured light, stereoscopic cameras, and advanced ToF sensors compete with LiDAR for smartphone integration. These technologies can offer lower cost or lower power consumption depending on use case. Structured light excels in close-range AR, while stereo depth is improving rapidly through AI enhancements. Competition complicates OEM decision-making for device design. In some scenarios, LiDAR must justify cost and performance advantages against these alternatives.

• Supply Chain Vulnerability for Specialized Optical Components
  Smartphone LiDAR modules depend on high-precision optical components such as VCSELs, photodiodes, and wafer-level optics. Supply constraints, geopolitical issues, and manufacturing bottlenecks can disrupt availability. Long lead times and specialized fabrication processes intensify supply-chain sensitivity. OEMs may face production delays or higher material costs during disruptions. Ensuring stable supply of optical components remains a persistent challenge.

• Regulatory Considerations for Consumer Laser Safety
  LiDAR systems rely on infrared laser emitters that must comply with global consumer safety standards. Manufacturers must adhere to Class 1 laser regulations and ensure eye-safe operation. Regulatory compliance requires rigorous testing, quality assurance, and thermal monitoring systems. Strict safety rules may limit performance improvements or require conservative operating parameters. Navigating these constraints adds complexity to product development and certification.

Smartphone LiDAR Market Segmentation

By Technology

• Time-of-Flight (ToF) LiDAR

• Direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) LiDAR

• Solid-State LiDAR

• Hybrid LiDAR Architectures

By Component

• VCSEL Emitters

• SPAD/Photodiode Arrays

• Depth Processing Chips

• Optical Elements and Lenses

• Integrated LiDAR Modules

By Application

• Computational Photography

• Augmented Reality (AR)

• 3D Scanning and Mapping

• Indoor Navigation

• Spatial Computing Interfaces

• Object Detection and Recognition

By Smartphone Type

• Premium Smartphones

• Mid-Range Smartphones

• Specialized/Developer-Centric Devices

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

Leading Key Players

• Apple Inc.

• Sony Semiconductor Solutions

• Lumentum Holdings Inc.

• AMS AG

• STMicroelectronics

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

• Himax Technologies

• Infineon Technologies AG

• Velodyne (consumer-grade miniaturization efforts)

• Primax Electronics Ltd.

Recent Developments

• Apple Inc. expanded LiDAR integration into additional flagship devices, strengthening the use of 3D sensing for AR and professional imaging.

• Lumentum introduced next-generation VCSEL arrays optimized for compact mobile LiDAR modules with improved efficiency.

• Sony Semiconductor Solutions released enhanced SPAD sensors designed to deliver higher accuracy and lower power consumption for smartphone depth sensing.

• STMicroelectronics unveiled advanced dToF depth sensors with longer range and faster sampling rates suitable for premium smartphones.

• AMS AG strengthened its portfolio of LiDAR components with improved optical packaging and high-sensitivity photodetector arrays.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

• What key factors are driving global adoption of LiDAR in smartphones?

• How are advancements in VCSEL, SPAD, and dToF technologies shaping market growth?

• Which smartphone segments are most likely to adopt LiDAR through 2031?

• What challenges limit LiDAR penetration into mid-range devices?

• How does smartphone LiDAR compare with alternative depth-sensing solutions?

• What role does LiDAR play in AR, computational photography, and spatial computing?

• How is the developer ecosystem influencing LiDAR demand?

• Which regions and OEMs are leading the LiDAR integration trend globally?

• What supply-chain and regulatory constraints impact LiDAR module production?

• How will AI-driven depth processing shape next-generation smartphone LiDAR capabilities?