Asia Pacific Infrared LED Market

Asia Pacific Infrared LED Market Size

The Asia Pacific Infrared LED Market Size was valued at USD 19.6 billion in 2024. The Asia Pacific Infrared LED Market Size is expected to have 6.88% CAGR from 2025 to 2033 and be worth USD 35.67 billion by 2033 from USD 20.95 billion in 2025.

The Asia Pacific infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode) market refers to the production, distribution, and application of light-emitting diodes that emit radiation in the infrared spectrum, typically used for sensing, imaging, communication, and security purposes. These LEDs are widely integrated into consumer electronics, automotive systems, healthcare devices, industrial automation, and surveillance infrastructure due to their ability to produce invisible light for night vision, remote controls, biometric recognition, and optical sensors.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, over 70% of smartphones sold in China and India in 2023 featured infrared-based facial recognition or proximity sensing capabilities. In Japan, as per the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, more than 40% of newly manufactured digital cameras included infrared illumination modules for enhanced low-light performance. Additionally, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported a rise in infrared LED usage within autonomous vehicle prototypes for obstacle detection and driver monitoring systems.

MARKET DRIVERS

Expansion of Smart Consumer Electronics and Wearable Devices

One of the primary drivers of the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is the expanding ecosystem of smart consumer electronics and wearable devices. Infrared LEDs play a crucial role in enabling functionalities such as facial recognition, gesture control, heart rate monitoring, and proximity sensing in smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and fitness trackers. According to McKinsey Global Institute, by 2027, over 85% of new smartphones launched in the Asia Pacific will include infrared-based biometric authentication features, reflecting the deepening integration of these components in personal electronics.

In India, the Indian Cellular Association reports that domestic smartphone manufacturers have increasingly adopted infrared proximity sensors to enhance user experience and reduce power consumption by automatically dimming screens when not in use. In China, as per the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, over 60 million wearable health monitoring devices were shipped in 2023, many of which utilized infrared LEDs for pulse oximetry and blood oxygen saturation measurements. Additionally, in South Korea, the Korea Electronics Association notes that major tech firms are incorporating infrared depth-sensing modules in augmented reality headsets and smart home appliances.

Rising Demand for Automotive Safety and Driver Monitoring Systems

Another significant driver of the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is the rising demand for automotive safety and driver monitoring systems. Infrared LEDs are extensively used in vehicles for night vision assistance, cabin monitoring, occupancy detection, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). As per Frost & Sullivan, the deployment of infrared LEDs in automotive applications across the region is expected to grow at a double-digit pace through 2028, driven by regulatory mandates and consumer demand for safer mobility solutions. Moreover, as per the Korean Automobile Manufacturers Association, South Korean automakers are integrating infrared LED arrays into rear-view mirrors and dashboard systems to improve visibility in low-light conditions. The increasing focus on vehicle electrification and autonomous driving further reinforces the need for high-performance infrared sensing solutions, which is making the automotive sector a pivotal growth engine for the infrared LED market in the Asia Pacific.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Cost of Advanced Infrared LED Components

A major restraint affecting the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is the relatively high cost associated with advanced infrared LED components, particularly those designed for high-precision applications such as medical diagnostics, defense systems, and autonomous vehicle navigation. Unlike standard visible LEDs, infrared LEDs often require specialized materials like gallium arsenide and indium phosphide, which contribute to higher manufacturing costs. According to McKinsey & Company, the bill of materials for infrared LED modules used in premium automotive and industrial applications can be up to 30% higher than conventional alternatives.

In emerging economies such as Indonesia and the Philippines, as noted by Frost & Sullivan, cost sensitivity remains a key purchasing factor, limiting widespread adoption of infrared-enabled devices among small businesses and individual consumers. Additionally, in the healthcare sector, as per the Indian Medical Device Manufacturers Association, budget constraints often lead hospitals in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to opt for lower-cost diagnostic tools that do not incorporate infrared LED-based sensing technologies.

Furthermore, according to Deloitte, many electronics manufacturers in Southeast Asia continue to rely on alternative sensing methods such as thermal imaging and capacitive sensors due to their lower upfront investment requirements. These economic barriers hinder broader market penetration, especially in price-sensitive segments across the Asia Pacific region.

Regulatory and Standardization Challenges Across the Region

A significant restraint impacting the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is the lack of uniform regulatory frameworks and standardization policies across different countries. Infrared LEDs operate under varying compliance requirements related to emissions, safety, and electromagnetic interference, creating complexities for manufacturers seeking to deploy standardized products across multiple markets. According to the International Electrotechnical Commission, inconsistencies in regional certification procedures often result in prolonged time-to-market and increased compliance costs for industry participants.

In India, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, infrared LED-based devices intended for medical or industrial applications must undergo extensive testing before approval, delaying product launches. Similarly, in Australia, the Australian Communications and Media Authority enforces strict guidelines on optical radiation safety, requiring additional design modifications for infrared LED equipment used in surveillance and sensing applications. Moreover, according to GSMA Intelligence, differences in frequency band regulations for infrared-based communication systems create challenges for cross-border scalability, particularly in sectors like smart infrastructure and IoT.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Integration of Infrared LEDs in Industrial Automation and Machine Vision

An emerging opportunity in the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is the increasing integration of these components in industrial automation and machine vision applications. Infrared LEDs are essential for non-contact sensing, object detection, barcode scanning, and robotic guidance systems, where they provide reliable performance in varying lighting conditions. In Japan, the Robot Revolution Initiative Council reports that over 85% of newly deployed factory robots now utilize infrared LED-based proximity and distance measurement systems to enhance precision and safety.

Additionally, in South Korea, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology notes that semiconductor and electronics manufacturers are adopting infrared LED-assisted inspection systems to detect microscopic defects in real-time.

Adoption of Infrared LEDs in Security and Surveillance Systems

Another promising opportunity for the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is the rising adoption of these components in security and surveillance systems. Infrared LEDs are widely used in closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to provide night vision capabilities, allowing continuous monitoring in low-light or no-light environments. Governments and private enterprises across the region are investing heavily in urban security infrastructure, border control, and facility monitoring, boosting demand for infrared-enabled surveillance equipment. In Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur Smart City initiative deployed thousands of infrared-enabled security cameras to enhance nighttime visibility and crime prevention. As per Frost & Sullivan, the number of infrared-based security camera installations in commercial buildings across Singapore grew by 30% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Technological Limitations in Miniaturization and Heat Dissipation

One of the foremost challenges facing the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is the difficulty in achieving optimal miniaturization and efficient heat dissipation without compromising performance. As demand grows for compact infrared LED modules in applications such as wearables, smartphones, and autonomous vehicle sensors, manufacturers encounter technical limitations in reducing size while maintaining output efficiency and longevity. According to IEEE Spectrum, despite advancements in chip-scale packaging, thermal management remains a persistent issue in high-power infrared LEDs used for long-range sensing and imaging.

Additionally, as per the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, excessive heat buildup in densely packed infrared LED arrays used in industrial cameras can degrade image quality and shorten component lifespan. Overcoming these thermal and size constraints requires continued R&D investment and material innovation, which is making it a critical challenge for industry participants in the Asia Pacific infrared LED market.

Interference and Signal Noise in Dense Electronic Environments

Another critical challenge confronting the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is the issue of interference and signal noise in dense electronic environments. According to the International Telecommunication Union, co-channel interference and ambient light contamination pose substantial performance risks, particularly in indoor sensing and proximity detection applications. Additionally, as per GSMA Intelligence, the proliferation of unlicensed wireless devices in the near-infrared spectrum has introduced new sources of noise that interfere with optical sensing mechanisms.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Application Insights

The consumer electronics segment dominated the Asia Pacific infrared LED market by accounting for 54.2% of share in 2024 with the widespread integration of infrared LEDs in smartphones, tablets, remote controls, gaming consoles, and smart home devices. These components are essential for functionalities such as proximity sensing, facial recognition, gesture control, and infrared communication. According to McKinsey Global Institute, over 70% of new smartphones launched in China and India in 2023 featured infrared-based biometric authentication systems with their growing role in personal security. Similarly, in Japan, the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association reported that more than 40% of newly manufactured digital cameras included infrared illumination modules to enhance low-light performance. Additionally, as per Frost & Sullivan, the number of infrared-enabled smart TVs and set-top boxes in South Korea grew by 28% in 2023 compared to the previous year. The expanding adoption of AIoT devices, wearable health monitors, and connected home appliances further reinforces the dominance of the consumer electronics sector in driving demand for infrared LED technology across the Asia Pacific region.

The automotive segment is swiftly emerging with a CAGR of 13.6% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is being driven by increasing integration of infrared LEDs in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), night vision systems, cabin monitoring, and autonomous vehicle sensing technologies.

The major automakers in Japan and South Korea have accelerated the deployment of infrared-based driver drowsiness detection and occupant monitoring systems. Additionally, as per the Indian Society of Automotive Engineers, domestic manufacturers are increasingly adopting infrared LEDs for rear-view assist and blind-spot detection applications.

By Wavelength Insights

The near-infrared (NIR) wavelength segment was the largest by capturing 61.2% of the Asia Pacific infrared LED market share in 2024 with the extensive use of NIR LEDs in consumer electronics, automotive sensing, optical communication, and medical diagnostics, where they offer advantages such as compact size, energy efficiency, and compatibility with silicon-based photodetectors. The automotive industry in South Korea has adopted NIR LEDs for driver monitoring systems and night vision enhancement, supporting safer mobility solutions.

The far-infrared (FIR) wavelength segment is emerging with a CAGR of 14.3% from 2025 to 2033. According to Frost & Sullivan, FIR LEDs are gaining traction in industrial automation and building management systems, where they support real-time heat detection and energy-efficient climate control. Additionally, as per the Korean Institute of Industrial Technology, FIR LEDs are being integrated into next-generation wellness and therapeutic devices in the Japanese and South Korean markets, where there is strong consumer interest in health-focused infrared therapy products. Furthermore, in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has endorsed the use of FIR-based fever screening systems in public healthcare facilities, accelerating adoption in disease prevention and patient monitoring.

By Material Type Insights

The Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) segment was the largest and held 58.1% of the Asia Pacific infrared LED market share in 2024 with superior optoelectronic properties, including high electron mobility, efficient light emission in the near-infrared spectrum, and compatibility with existing semiconductor manufacturing processes. According to McKinsey Global Institute, over 75% of infrared LEDs used in smartphones and consumer electronics in China and India utilize GaAs substrates due to their cost-effectiveness and mature production infrastructure.

The material’s ability to perform consistently under varying temperature conditions makes it well-suited for both indoor and outdoor applications. GaAs maintains its stronghold as the most widely used material in infrared LED manufacturing across the Asia Pacific region with continued advancements in epitaxial growth techniques and wafer fabrication.

The Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) segment is lucratively growing with 14.9% during the forecast period. InGaAs offers distinct advantages over conventional materials in high-performance applications requiring extended wavelength sensitivity beyond the visible and near-infrared spectrum. Additionally, as per the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, leading tech firms in South Korea are integrating InGaAs LEDs into quantum communication research projects and LiDAR-based autonomous navigation systems.

By Packaging Type Insights

The Surface Mount Device (SMD) packaging segment led the Asia Pacific infrared LED market with 53.3% of share in 2024 due to the widespread adoption of SMD-packaged infrared LEDs in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial equipment due to their compact size, ease of integration, and compatibility with automated assembly lines.

The automotive manufacturers in South Korea and Southeast Asia prefer SMD packaging for dashboard sensors, cabin monitoring, and rear-view assist systems due to its durability and thermal resistance. The ability of SMD LEDs to support miniaturization while maintaining high performance makes them the preferred choice across multiple applications. SMD packaging remains the most widely used format in the Asia Pacific infrared LED ecosystem with continuous advancements in surface mount technology and rising demand for space-efficient electronic designs.

The Chip-on-Board (COB) packaging is likely to experience a CAGR of 14.1% in the next coming years. COB technology allows multiple LED chips to be directly mounted onto a substrate by eliminating the need for individual packages and offering higher luminous efficiency, better thermal management, and reduced manufacturing costs. The adoption of COB-packaged infrared LEDs is rising in industrial automation, security cameras, and high-power lighting applications due to their superior brightness and uniform light distribution. The Indian Lighting Association notes that commercial and industrial sectors are increasingly using COB-packaged infrared LEDs for large-area occupancy sensing and energy-efficient lighting control.

COUNTRY LEVEL ANALYSIS

China was the largest contributor in the Asia Pacific infrared LED market with 33.3% of share in 2024 due to its robust electronics manufacturing base, aggressive push toward smart city development, and extensive integration of infrared LEDs in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial automation. According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, over 70% of new smartphones sold in China in 2023 featured infrared-based biometric authentication systems, which is reflecting the deepening integration of these components in personal devices.

Japan was ranked second in the Asia Pacific infrared LED market with 19.3% of share in 2024. The country maintains a strong presence due to its early adoption of infrared LED technology in automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics applications. Japanese companies are known for their expertise in high-precision optical components, positioning the nation as a key player in both domestic and global markets.

Additionally, Japan’s consumer electronics industry continues to integrate infrared LEDs into smartphones, digital cameras, and augmented reality headsets.

South Korea is likely to gain huge traction over the growth of the Asia Pacific infrared LED market in the next coming years. The country’s strong presence is driven by its cutting-edge automotive industry, rapid adoption of smart electronics, and active government-backed R&D initiatives. According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, nearly all new premium car models launched in South Korea in 2023 included infrared LED-based driver monitoring and night vision enhancement systems. A major growth catalyst is the collaboration between automotive giants like Hyundai and Samsung Electronics to develop next-generation infrared sensing modules for autonomous vehicles. Additionally, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reports that South Korea’s smart city initiatives have led to expanded deployment of infrared LED-equipped surveillance and traffic monitoring systems.

India ranks fourth in the Asia Pacific infrared LED market, contributing about 10% of the regional market share in 2023. The country’s growth is primarily fueled by increasing government focus on digital infrastructure, vehicular safety regulations, and smart city development. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, over 80% of new smartphones launched in India in 2023 included infrared-based proximity sensors and facial recognition features. The healthcare industry is also witnessing increased adoption of infrared LEDs in portable diagnostic devices and telehealth applications. India is emerging as a key growth hub for infrared LED applications in the Asia Pacific with ongoing investments in AIoT and connected healthcare solutions.

Australia infrared LED market growth is driven by significant investments in defense modernization and intelligent surveillance infrastructure. A key factor behind market expansion is the growing integration of infrared LEDs in smart city and law enforcement initiatives. Additionally, the mining and logistics sectors are adopting infrared LED-assisted monitoring systems to enhance worker safety and operational efficiency.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Companies playing a prominent role in the Asia Pacific Infrared LED Market are Epistar Corporation (Taiwan),Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)Nichia Corporation (Japan),OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH (Germany),Kingbright Electronics Co., Ltd. (Taiwan),Lextar Electronics Corporation (Taiwan),Lite-On Technology Corporation (Taiwan),High Power Lighting Corporation (Japan),Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (USA).

The competition in the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is highly dynamic, driven by rapid technological advancements, increasing demand from consumer electronics and automotive sectors, and growing investments in AIoT and smart infrastructure. A mix of global leaders and regional specialists coexists, each striving to capture market share through innovation, strategic partnerships, and localized offerings. Consumer electronics OEMs and Tier-1 automotive suppliers are aggressively integrating infrared LEDs into new product lines to meet rising expectations for sensing, security, and automation. At the same time, industrial and healthcare organizations are expanding their use of infrared-based diagnostics and monitoring systems. Emerging economies are witnessing increased participation from domestic electronics manufacturers seeking to develop indigenous infrared capabilities. As the demand for precision sensing grows across industries, vendors are focusing on improving component performance, reducing costs, and ensuring compatibility with next-generation communication networks. This competitive environment fosters continuous evolution, pushing companies to differentiate through technical excellence, application-specific customization, and end-to-end system integration.

Top Players in the Market

Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd.

Everlight is a leading manufacturer of optoelectronic components, including infrared LEDs, with a strong presence in the Asia Pacific region. The company supplies to major consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial clients across China, Japan, and South Korea. Everlight's expertise lies in producing high-efficiency infrared LED solutions for sensing, remote control, and imaging applications. Its commitment to product innovation and quality has positioned it as a preferred supplier for global OEMs.

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH

OSRAM plays a significant role in the infrared LED market by offering advanced optical semiconductor products tailored for automotive, healthcare, and industrial applications. The company collaborates closely with Asian automakers and electronics manufacturers to integrate infrared technologies into next-generation mobility and smart devices. OSRAM continues to expand its influence in the regional infrared LED ecosystem with a focus on miniaturization and performance enhancement.

Rohm Co., Ltd.

Rohm is a key player known for its cutting-edge infrared LED technologies used in automotive sensing, proximity detection, and biometric recognition systems. The company has been actively involved in developing compact, low-power infrared LED modules that support autonomous driving and wearable health monitoring. Rohm’s strategic R&D initiatives and partnerships with leading tech firms in Japan and Southeast Asia reinforce its competitive edge in the Asia Pacific market.

Top Strategies Used by Key Market Participants

One of the primary strategies adopted by key players in the Asia Pacific infrared LED market is product innovation and differentiation , where companies continuously develop advanced infrared LED modules with higher efficiency, smaller form factors, and enhanced spectral performance. Another crucial approach is strategic collaborations and joint development agreements with electronics manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and research institutions to accelerate technology adoption and integration into emerging applications. Additionally, market localization and supply chain optimization are widely pursued by allowing firms to tailor product portfolios to regional regulatory requirements while improving production efficiency and reducing time-to-market.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

In March 2024, Everlight Electronics announced a collaboration with Xiaomi to supply customized infrared LED modules for integration into upcoming smartphone models. This partnership aimed to enhance facial recognition accuracy and power efficiency in Xiaomi’s premium mobile devices, reinforcing Everlight’s position in the consumer electronics segment.

In July 2023, OSRAM launched a new line of compact infrared LEDs specifically designed for automotive driver monitoring systems in South Korea. Developed in coordination with Hyundai, this initiative was intended to support real-time cabin sensing and occupant safety features in next-generation electric vehicles.

In November 2023, Rohm partnered with Sony Semiconductor Solutions to develop ultra-low-power infrared LED arrays for use in wearable health monitoring devices. This collaboration focused on enabling non-invasive blood oxygen and heart rate tracking in portable medical wearables across the Asia Pacific.

In February 2024, Lite-On Technology expanded its manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China, to increase production capacity for infrared LEDs used in surveillance cameras and smart home applications. This move was aimed at meeting the surging demand from both domestic and international customers.

In August 2023, Melexis introduced an infrared-based gesture recognition module developed for smart TVs and home automation systems in Japan. This innovation was intended to provide seamless user interaction without requiring additional sensors or external hardware.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the asia pacific infrared led market has been segmented and sub-segmented into the following.

By Application

• Consumer Electronics Automotive
• Industrial
• Healthcare

By Wavelength

• Near Infrared
• Mid Infrared
• Far Infrared

By Material Type

• Gallium Arsenide
• Aluminum Gallium Arsenide
• Indium Gallium Arsenide

By Packaging Type

• Chip-on-Board
• Surface Mount Device
• Through-Hole

By Country

• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Singapore
• Rest of APAC