Advancements in memory and storage technology continue to evolve, with the SD Association (SDA) spearheading efforts to create standards that meet consumer demands for enhanced solutions. In collaboration with Futuresource Consulting Ltd, the SDA has conducted extensive market research to analyze the trajectory of the memory technology sector. Insights from this analysis, available to SDA members, highlight key trends shaping the industry through 2025 and beyond.
Growing Demand for Higher Capacities
The trend towards higher capacity SD memory cards is becoming increasingly pronounced, with over 50% of the consumer memory card market in 2024 consisting of cards with 64GB capacity or more. As needs for high-resolution imaging and video increase, the integration of SDUC technology will be vital for expanding capacity limits beyond the SDXC standard, potentially offering storage solutions up to 128TB.
Smartphones: Evolving Design and Functionality
While some smartphone manufacturers have transitioned away from expandable storage, the rise of USB-C ports presents new opportunities for integrating microSD cards. These ports not only allow for high-speed data transfer but enable users to connect external storage options without the need for a dedicated microSD slot, enhancing convenience for content creators.
Dashcams and Their Growing Market
The microSD memory card market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the dashcam sector. As dashcams provide critical video evidence for road incidents, the demand for high-capacity cards—typically 32GB or more—will rise as consumers seek reliable storage for extensive recordings. This demand is further driven by the affordability of dashcams and the need for dependable recording capabilities in areas with poor internet connectivity.
The Drone Market’s Impact
Drones are becoming increasingly popular for both recreational and professional photography. The requirement for high-capacity, speedy microSD cards to handle the storage of high-quality images and videos will continue to propel market growth. Additionally, the integration of AI technologies in drones necessitates substantial storage for data processing and storage capabilities.
Gaming Sector Expansion
The gaming industry is set to further contribute to the growth of the microSD memory card market in 2025. Gaming devices such as the Nintendo Switch rely on SD cards for expanded storage, and advancements like microSD Express promise to enhance this experience. With the ability to support faster transfer speeds, these cards will facilitate quick access to large game files, becoming essential as game experiences become more demanding.
Industrial Applications Driving Demand
Industrial applications are becoming a notable driver in the SD market. The predicted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for industrial SD cards is 15.5% through 2028, largely due to their growing use in sectors such as medical devices, automotive systems, and surveillance where durability and reliability are critical.
The Rise of SD Express Technology
SD Express is gaining traction, particularly in gaming laptops, contributing to accelerated read/write speeds and larger storage solutions, thereby enhancing user experiences in gaming and content creation. Future products, including drones and high-resolution cameras, are expected to adopt SD Express to accommodate increasing data demands.
- Technical challenges remain, particularly related to thermal management.
- Backwards compatibility and its associated costs could affect adoption rates.
- Initial high prices could deter widespread implementation, although costs are anticipated to decrease with increased adoption.
Future Outlook for 2025
The memory technology market is gearing up for significant developments in 2025, driven by emerging trends in gaming, dashcams, AI applications, and industrial growth. With the capabilities of SD Express paving the way for enhanced performance, continued consumer awareness and understanding of these advancements will be crucial for broad adoption across various sectors.