Ambient Light Sensor Market Size - By Sensor Type, Output Type, Mounting Style, Integration, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Ambient Light Sensor Market Size

The global ambient light sensor market was valued at USD 926.1 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% to reach USD 2.6 billion by 2034. The growth of the ambient light sensor industry is attributed to factors such as increasing increased adoption of these sensors in consumer electronics and automotive application for ADAS features.
 

The rapid proliferation of smartphone, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs is one of the leading factor driving the demand for ambient light sensor worldwide. Ambient light sensing capabilities are increasingly becoming a sought-after feature by customers in latest smartphones, laptops, smart TVs and other consumer electronic devices, allowing the device to adjust screen brightness as per the natural light condition around the device. The increasing demand for enhanced device's battery life, premium user experience, and more comfortable viewing experience are driving the adoption of ambient light sensors in consumer devices.  
 

According to Statista, in 2023, 1.33 billion smartphones were shipped worldwide, and the market of smartphones grew by 7.8% in 2024 indicating a significant growth potential for ambient light sensors in smartphones. Similarly, smart TV ownership is expected to reach 1.1 billion units by 2026 which will significantly drive the sales of ambient light sensor.  As manufacturers continuously aim to improve the user experience, increase battery life, and maximize screen-to-body ratios, the demand for ambient light sensors will grow as they enable maximum edge-to-edge display screen size – with sensor operation under the display. 
 

Investments in ultra-thin (sub 0.3mm) ambient light sensors with multi-colour detection capabilities are anticipated to open up significant future opportunities for securing contracts with leading consumer electronics manufacturers. 
 

Ambient light sensor is gaining high traction in automotive applications as they play a pivotal role in enabling advanced features such as adaptive headlight controls, and automatic dashboard brightness adjustments, auto-dimming IRVMs, animated turn indicators etc., enhancing driver comfort, improving visibility, and elevating the overall in-car experience. Ambient LED lighting has become a key design differentiation feature for automotive manufacturers.
 

According to Highway Loss Data Institute, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S., the number of vehicles enabled with adaptive headlights in the U.S. is expected to increase to 14% by 2027 showcasing significant growth opportunities for ambient light sensors. Established automotive OEMs are providing ambient lighting extensively across their latest and luxury models, driving the demand of ambient light sensors during the forecast period.
 

Focusing on developing automotive grade-ambient light sensors solutions to meet the upcoming Euro NCAP 2025+ requirements for adaptive driving beam systems could enable sensor manufacturers to establish long-term partnerships with leading automotive OEMs and gain significant market share in Europe.
 

Additionally, the development of multi-spectral ambient light sensors with machine learning capabilities to distinguish between natural and artificial lights could open up new opportunities in applications such as emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
 

Ambient Light Sensor Market Trends

• One of the key trends in the ambient light sensor industry is the increasing government regulations promoting energy efficiency, driving the adoption of smart lighting. For instance, in January 2021, the International Code Council released the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with an aim to reduce energy use by automatically turning off or lowering lighting when it is not in use based on three inputs: ambient light level, occupancy, or a time event.
   
• Ambient light sensors enable smart lighting systems to dim or turn off lights when natural daylight suffices, leading to significant cost savings. This automatic dimming helps save energy and lowers electricity bills, making it a cost-effective solution for smart lighting systems.
   
• The increasing adoption of smart lighting to help smart homes and buildings regulate artificial lighting by activating light switches or adjusting brightness in response to natural light for promoting energy efficiency will propel the growth of ambient light sensors during the forecast period.
   
• The adoption of ambient light sensors for industrial applications is another major trend supporting the growth of ambient light sensors market. In industrial automation, ambient light sensors are used to create adaptive workspace lighting based on time of day and natural light conditions.
   
• Ambient light sensors are used for improving the workspace safety by tracking instances of  low or high light intensities, which may have caused due to safety infringement or a problem with the equipment. In quality and inspection applications, ambient light sensors are used for colour sorting and detection. These sensors can accurately measure the light reflected from various objects and differentiate between various colors, enabling them to detect and sort objects. Custom designed ambient light sensor solutions with wider wavelength detection capabilities could open up new revenue opportunities for sensor manufacturers in industrial automation applications.
   

Ambient Light Sensor Market Analysis

Based on the sensor type, the market is segmented into photodiode-based, CMOS-based, and infrared-based.
 

• Photodiode-based sensor market accounted for USD 349.6 million in 2023. Photodiodes are gaining high popularity because of their high adoption in the consumer electronics and automotive industries as it effectively converting light into an electrical signal. Photodiode-based sensors offer a cost-effective solution for applications with less stringent power consumption requirements.
   
• Infrared-based sensor market accounted for USD 254.6 million in 2022. The higher share of this market is attributed to increasing adoption of infrared-based ambient light sensors in applications such as color code reader for product identification and counterfeit detection, lighting controls in smart buildings and greenhouses.
   
• CMOS-based sensors market accounted for USD 160.3 million in 2021. COMS-based ambient light sensors are experiencing significant growth due to integration in smartphones, and automotive applications. These sensors are highly used due to their improved sensing capabilities and reduced form factor.  
   

Based on output type, the ambient light sensor market is divided into analog and digital. Digital ambient light sensors are increasingly adopted in consumer electronics and automotive as buyers seek adaptive displays in smartphones and TVs. Human-centric lighting is gaining significant traction in workspaces where digital ambient light sensors help optimize brightness for increasing productivity.
 

• The digital output type market is expected to account for 42.3% of the global ambient light sensors market in 2024 owing to the constant technological developments, surge in demand for smart devices, and growing emphasis on energy-saving and smart lighting solutions.
   
• The analog output market is expected to account for 57.5% of the global ambient light sensors market in 2024. Factors such as low-latency response in light sensing with minimal processing delays, simplified design and resistance to electromagnetic interferences, and less production cost are supporting the market growth during the forecast period.
   

Based on mounting style, the ambient light sensor market is segmented into SMD/SMT, through hole, and others. The rapid shift towards smaller and thinner devices are increasing the demand for SMD/SMT form factors in ambient light sensors.
 

• The SMD/SMT market dominated the market accounting for USD 671.9 million in 2024.  The large share of this segment is attributed to several factors such as the rising trend of miniaturization of electronic devices, as well as growing advancements in sensor technology facilitate the advancements of reliable and accurate SMD/SMT mounted ambient light sensors.
   
• The through hole market accounted for USD 184.2 million in 2023. The growth of this segment is driven by high durability, superior heat dissipation, and reliability in industrial and automotive applications. These sensors can withstand harsh conditions make them ideal for applications in outdoor lighting, smart streetlights etc.
   

Based on integration, the ambient light sensor market is segmented into discrete and combination. The combination integration market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period. The high growth of this segment is driven by increasing demand for integration of AI processors with ambient light sensors for real-time, low-latency environmental sensing.
 

• Discrete integration offers improved reliability and high accuracy that is suitable for applications that need precise light sensing including proximity sensing and display brightness adjustment.
   
• The combination integration segment will grow at a CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period. Rising proliferation of smart devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as surge in demand for automotive applications is presenting lucrative growth potential for segment expansion.
   

Based on application, the ambient light sensor market is bifurcated into consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, home automation, healthcare, entertainment, security, and others. Trends such as adaptive brightness control, demand for better colour contrast and accuracy, blue light reduction etc. are propelling the growth of ambient light sensors in consumer electronics.
 

• The consumer electronics market dominated the market, accounting for USD 311.5 million in 2024 owing to the increase in adoption of smartphones and tablets, along with the rise in development of novel display technologies like OLED and AMOLED.
   
• In 2024, the automotive market accounted for USD 193.7 million. The adoption of ambient light sensors in automotive is driven customer demand for advanced features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and enhanced interior lighting.
   
• The home automation market is expected to register highest growth during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 14.5% for 2025 to 2034. The high growth of this segment is attributed to increasing integration of ambient light sensors in smart lighting solutions for energy efficiency and reduction in energy bills.
   
• The industrial market is expected to reach USD 327.9 million by 2034, owing to factors such as increased adoption of ambient light sensors for product quality control and sorting based on colour detection.
   
• The healthcare market is projected to reach USD 182.4 million by 2034. Factors supporting the growth of ambient light sensors in healthcare applications are increased adoption of these sensors in circadian lighting systems, increasing integration of ambient light sensors in wearable medical devices to enhance photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for heart rate and oxygen saturation measurements.
   
• The entertainment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period. The growth of entertainment segment is supported by increased proliferation of ambient light sensors in gaming AR/VR devices for more immersive experience.
   
• The security market accounted for USD 40.7 million in 2023. The increased adoption of ambient light sensors in smart streetlights for increasing safety of less illuminated public areas and increasing safety of parking spaces while maintaining energy efficiency is the major factor supporting market growth.
   

In 2024, North America accounted for the largest share of 31% of global ambient light sensor market. The large share of this market is attributed to the large automotive, manufacturing hubs in the region, stringent government policies for energy efficiency, and increased adoption of smart cities projects.
 

• In 2024, the U.S. ambient light sensors market accounted for USD 222.5 million. United States ambient light sensors market is likely to be driven by the growing emphasis on the development of the smart lighting, surge in adoption of consumer electronics, as well as rapid growth of the automotive industry.
   
• The Canada ambient light sensors market is expected to reach USD 169.2 million by 2034. The market for Canada ambient light sensors is driven by factors such as strong energy efficiency regulations, integration of ambient light sensors in smart lighting systems to comply with environment, social, governance (ESG) standards, and deployment of ambient light sensors in smart streetlights across smart cities projects in Toronto and Vancouver for driving urban lighting automation.
   

In 2024, Europe accounted for a share of 22% of global ambient light sensor market. Factors supporting growth of ambient light sensors in Europe are established automotive manufacturing hub with industry leading research development pioneers in ADAS and autonomous vehicles, increased demand for safe and secure public places, and adoption of ambient light sensors in precision agriculture.
 

• The Germany ambient light sensors market is expected to reach USD 232.7 million by 2034. The growth of ambient light sensors in Germany is attributed to the integration of ambient light sensors by leading automotive manufacturers for features such as adaptive headlight, interior lighting etc. Moreover, the EU energy efficiency directives are also supporting the adoption of ambient light sensors in smart buildings for energy saving.
   
• The UK ambient light sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period. The UK market is bolstered by the rapid development of smart cities and continuous advancements in Ambient light sensor technology. Ambient light sensors are used to dimming lights during low traffic hours, along with improving security by lighting dark areas when people are passing.
   
• France ambient light sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2025 to 2034. France has a strong presence of many multinational boutiques stores and high-end restaurants. These stores are constantly striving to provide a luxurious and personalized customer experience.
   
• The market of ambient light sensors in France is driven by the increasing adoption of these sensors in boutique stores, high-end hotels and restaurants, adjusting ambience based on time of the day and customer preferences.
   
• Italy ambient light sensors market is expected to reach USD 61.1 million by 2034. The market for ambient light sensors in Italy is driven by increasing adoption of these sensors in circadian lighting systems in nursing homes, hospitals, and elderly care facilities.
   
• Spain ambient light sensors market is projected to reach USD 46.8 million by 2034. The growth of ambient light sensors in Spain is attributed to the increasing integration of ALS in next-generation electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles. Moreover, the adoption of ambient light sensors to regulate grow lights for controlled cultivation of grape and olive cultivation is also supporting the market growth.
   

In 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for a share of 29% of global ambient light sensor market. The presence of leading consumer electronics brands in the region coupled with a large customer base demanding premium features and user experiences in devices are supporting the market growth in the region.
 

• The China ambient light sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period. China has one of the major automotive manufacturers bases that is supporting the market expansion. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), China is the largest automobile market in the world in terms of both yearly sales and manufacturing output. By 2025, it is anticipated that domestic production will account for around 35 million vehicles.
   
• The presence of large electronics manufacturing ecosystem in China, as well as shift towards smart home technologies is also contributing to the demand of the ambient light sensor.
   
• Japan is expected to account for a share of 22.8% of the ambient light sensors market in Asia Pacific. The leading electronics brands in Japan are integrating ambient light sensors in consumer electronics such as TVs, gaming monitors, and projectors for dynamic adjustment of screen brightness.
   
• South Korea ambient light sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period. The major display manufacturers in South Korea such as Samsung and LG display are integrating ambient light sensors in advanced displays such as OLED, QD-OLED, and MicroLED panels and smartphones such as Samsung’s foldable phones (Galaxy Z Fold, Z Flip).
   
• Ambient light sensor market in India is expected to grow at a highest CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period. India is the largest market for budget smartphones and mid-range smartphones. India is also a growing market for wearables. These consumer electronics devices uses ALS for dynamic brightness adjustment. The high adoption of these consumer electronics in India is supporting the market growth of ambient light sensors.
   
• Ambient light sensors market in ANZ is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period. The adoption of ambient light sensors in ANZ is supported by increasing advancements in smart infrastructure, energy efficiency regulations, and growing adoption of electric vehicles.
   

In 2024, Latin America accounted for a share of 7% of global ambient light sensors market. The high adoption of ambient light sensors in precision agriculture is a major factor growth of ambient light sensors in the region.
 

• Brazil ambient light sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. The growth of ambient light sensors market in Brazil is attributed to the growth of precision farming solutions improving light regulation for better crop yield and reducing energy consumption.
   
• Mexico ambient light sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period. The growth of ambient light market in Mexico is attributed to increasingly adopting smart city initiatives. The authorities in Mexico are integrating ambient light sensors in street lights to reduce energy consumption and enhance sustainability.
   

In 2024, Middle East and Africa accounted for a share of 9% of global ambient light sensor market. The increased push towards sustainability and energy efficiency and automation in public infrastructure are  major factors driving market growth.
 

• In 2024, UAE accounted for 45.9% of the Middle East & Africa ambient light sensors market. The growth of UAE ambient light sensors market is driven by the government's pursuit to become global leader in smart cities, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable development.
   
• Saudi Arabia ambient light sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. Saudi Arabia ambient light sensors is driven by Saudi Green Initiatives aiming to reduce carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency. The adoption of ALS for enhancing lighting automation in public infrastructure supports the government’s energy efficiency targets, driving the market growth.
   
• South Africa ambient light sensors market will reach USD 17 million by 2034. The growing adoption of ambient light sensors in digital signages in retail and advertising sector is driving the market growth in South Africa during the forecast period.
   

Ambient Light Sensor Market Share

The ambient light sensors market is competitive and highly fragmented with the presence of established global players as well as local players and startups. The top 5 companies in the global ambient light market are ams-OSRAM AG, Melexis NV, ON Semiconductor corporation, Sharp corporation, and ROHM semiconductor, collectively accounting for a share of 35%. These companies are competing in the market by offering advanced sensors that enhance energy efficiency and seamlessly interact with IoT devices. For instance, In June 2024, Melexis, a manufacturer of automotive LED drivers for ambient lighting, announced the extension of its LIN RGB product portfoilio with the MLX81123. In sleep mode, the MLX81123 exhibits a typical standby current consumption of just 25 µA and features a 28 V jump start. The operating temperature is a wide -40°C to +125°C with a built-in temperature sensor for thermal monitoring, ideal for even the most demanding automotive applications.
 

New product launches is the most significant strategic development which key players in the market are adopting for augmenting their market share. Key ambient light sensor manufacturers are increasingly launching new products for proliferation in automotive sectors. For instance in 2023, ams-OSRAM AG launched OSIRE® E3731i LED with intelligent ambient light sensing capabilities for integration into next-generation passenger vehicles. The company also created a new Open System Protocol (OSP), a ‘language’ that enables compatible devices such as LEDs, microcontrollers and sensors to talk to each other over a standard serial bus. The OSP is free for any manufacturer to use, helping to foster a vibrant ecosystem of products and suppliers to support auto OEMs technological development initiatives in the area of ambient lighting.
 

ams-OSRAM AG provides ambient light sensors which accurately measures the intensity of ambient light and matches it with the human eye response to light. ams-OSRAM AG  competes in the market by doing strategic partnerships with the leading automotive OEMs. For instance, in December 2024, OSRAM partnered with Valeo to develop ambient lighting systems comprising optics, electronics and software enabling RGB ambient lighting with high optical homogeneity and color accuracy, while ensuring smooth light animation throughout the vehicle cabin.
 

Melexis NV primarily competes in the market with their rapid product development, keeping pace with the customer demands and evolving industry needs.
 

ON Semiconductor provides a wide range of ambient light sensing products for various applications. Such vast product portfolio enables On Semiconductor to command a leading position in the market.
 

Ambient Light Sensor Market Companies

Top 5 companies operating in the ambient light sensor industry are:

• ams-OSRAM AG
• Melexis NV
• ON Semiconductor Corporation
• ROHM Semiconductor
• Sharp Corporation
   

Ambient Light Sensor Industry News

• In April 2024, Ams OSRAM collaborated with Malaysia's DOMINANT Opto Technologies to integrate the OSP (Open System Protocol) into next-generation intelligent RGB LEDs for automotive ambient lighting. This collaboration further strengthens innovation and ensures technology compatibility in the automotive lighting industry.
   
• In June 2024, HaiLa announced the company’s partnership with e-peas on a battery-free wi-fi backscatter system powered by ambient light. The key objective of the this collaboration of new potential to run autonomous Wi-Fi devices free of disposable battery and maintenance needs.
   

This ambient light sensor market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) & (Volume Unit) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Sensor Type

• Photodiode-based
• CMOS-based
• Infrared-based

Market, By Output Type

• Analog
• Digital

Market, By Mounting Style

• SMD/SMT
• Through hole
• Others

Market, By Integration

• Discrete
• Combination

Market, By Application

• Consumer electronics
• Automotive
• Industrial
• Home automation
• Healthcare
• Entertainment
• Security
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa