The global application processor market was valued at USD29.56 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow around USD47.28 billion by 2026. Rising demand for smartphones, laptop notebooks, smart wearable devices, advent of automotive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is expected to positively influence the global application processor market in the coming years.
Global application processor market can be segmented into devices, operating systems, application, type, core type and region. Based on devices, the market can be segmented into mobiles, laptop notebooks, tablets and other devices. Smartphones segment captured 53.85% of the global market in 2020 and is expected to witness growth in the next five years. Based on operating systems, the market is sub-segmented into android, iOS, windows and other operating systems including Symbian OS, Linux, Mac OS X and others. The android segment is expected to hold a market share of 39.64% and grow at a significant pace during the forecast period followed by the iOS segment.
Based on application the market is sub-segmented into gaming, camera applications, photo and video editing and others including NFC, Bluetooth connectivity, other AI features like voice assistance and others. The gaming segment has a share of 31.74% in the market and is expected to grow during the forecast period due to innovations including augmented reality gaming, competitive multiplayer mobile gaming, etc.
Based on type, the market is sub-segmented into 32-bit and 64-bit application processors. 64-bit application processor holds a majority share of 68.79% and is expected to grow during the forecast period. Based on core types, the market can be segmented into dual core, quad core and others including single core, hexa core and octa core devices. The majority share is held by dual core devices, capturing about 47.94% of the global market.
Regionally, the application processor market has been segmented into various regions including Asia-Pacific, North America, South America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market on account of the widespread adoption of technology and digitalization.

The major players operating in the global application processor market are Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Mediatek Inc, Apple Inc, Samsung Electronics Pvt Ltd, Intel Corporation, Nvidia Corporation, Hisilicon Technologies Co. Ltd., Unisoc, Toshiba Corporation, and TSMC Ltd. These companies are developing advanced technologies and launching new services to stay competitive in the market. Other competitive strategies include mergers and acquisitions and new service developments.
Years considered for this report:
Historical Years: 2016-2019
Base Year: 2020
Estimated Year: 2021
Forecast Period: 2022-2026
Objective of the Study:

  • To analyze the historical growth in the market size of the global application processor market from 2016 to 2020.
  • To estimate and forecast the market size of global application processor market from 2021 to 2026 and growth rate until 2026.
  • To classify and forecast the global application processor market based on devices, operating systems, application, type, core type, company and regional distribution.
  • To identify dominant region or segment in the global application processor market.
  • To identify drivers and challenges for the global application processor market.
  • To examine competitive developments such as expansions, new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, etc., in the global application processor market.
  • To identify and analyze the profiles of leading players operating in the global application processor market.
  • To identify key sustainable strategies adopted by market players in the global application processor market.


TechSci Research performed both primary as well as exhaustive secondary research for this study. Initially, TechSci Research sourced a list of manufacturers across the globe. Subsequently, TechSci Research conducted primary research surveys with the identified companies. While interviewing, the respondents were also enquired about their competitors. Through this technique, TechSci Research could include the manufacturers which could not be identified due to the limitations of secondary research. TechSci Research analyzed the manufacturers, distribution channels and presence of all major players across the globe.
TechSci Research calculated the market size of global application processor market using a top-down approach, wherein data for various end-user segments was recorded and forecast for the future years. TechSci Research sourced these values from the industry experts and company representatives and externally validated through analyzing historical data of these products and applications for getting an appropriate, overall market size. Various secondary sources such as company websites, news articles, press releases, company annual reports, investor presentations and financial reports were also studied by TechSci Research.
Key Target Audience:

  • Application processor manufacturers/ suppliers/ distributors
  • Market research and consulting firms
  • Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers
  • Organizations, forums, and alliances related to application processors


The study is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for the industry stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers and partners, end users, etc., besides allowing them in strategizing investments and capitalizing on market opportunities.
Report Scope:
In this report, the global application processor market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

  • Global Application Processor Market, By Devices:


o Mobiles
o Laptop Notebooks
o Tablets
o Others

  • Global Application Processor Market, By Operating Systems:


o Android
o iOS
o Windows
o Others

  • Global Application Processor Market, By Application:


o Gaming
o Camera Applications
o Photo and Video Editing
o Others

  • Global Application Processor Market, By Type:


o 32-bit Application Processors
o 64-bit Application Processors

  • Global Application Processor Market, By Core Type:


o Dual Core
o Quad Core
o Others

  • Global Application Processor Market, By Region:


o North America
? United States
? Canada
? Mexico
o Europe
? Germany
? France
? United Kingdom
? Italy
? Spain
o Asia-Pacific
? China
? Japan
? India
? South Korea
? Australia
o Middle East & Africa
? South Africa
? Saudi Arabia
? UAE
o South America
? Brazil
? Argentina
? Colombia
? Peru
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the global application processor market.
Available Customizations:
The following customization options are available for the report:
Company Information

  • Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).