Observation | The penetration rate of MEMS-integrated microphones is on the rise, and their stability advantages are driving the industry's popularization

Aug.28.2025
Observation | The penetration rate of MEMS-integrated microphones is on the rise, and their stability advantages are driving the industry's popularization
The 6th Vape Industry Chain Exhibition was held in Shenzhen, 2Firsts observed that MEMS microphones are gradually gaining widespread application in the industry due to their advantages such as high temperature resistance, water resistance and oil resistance. With the increase in production capacity, their prices have become comparable to those of traditional products. Institutions predict that by 2031, the global market sales of MEMS microphones for e-cigarettes will reach 4.91 billion yuan, wit

2Firsts, Shenzhen, August 27, 2025 — From August 26 to 29, the 6th Vape Industry Chain Exhibition was held in Shenzhen, where 2Firsts visited the venue and conducted research on the latest trends in the e-cigarette supply chain.

 

As one of the key components of e-cigarettes, electret microphones (ECMs) were widely used in the past. However, due to ECMs’ vulnerability to temperature and humidity as well as their insufficient stability, the industry has gradually shifted to MEMS-integrated microphones in recent years. By comparison, MEMS microphones have significantly improved performance in terms of high temperature resistance, water resistance, oil resistance and anti-volatilization; they also hold advantages in production yield and consistency.

 

A representative from a MEMS microphone manufacturer stated at the exhibition that a growing number of small and medium-sized e-cigarette manufacturers have begun to adopt MEMS microphones, whose stability effectively addresses the oil leakage issue commonly seen in traditional products. Although MEMS microphones had limited production volume and relatively high prices in the early promotion stage, with the increase in penetration rate and production capacity, their current unit price has become comparable to that of traditional ECMs.

Observation | The penetration rate of MEMS-integrated microphones is on the rise, and their stability advantages are driving the industry's popularization
MEMS integrated microphone | Image source: 2Firsts

 

2Firsts has learned that major manufacturers of MEMS microphones are concentrated in regions such as Jiangsu and Shandong. Most of these enterprises originally engaged in the manufacturing of consumer electronic products (e.g., mobile phone microphones) and are now gradually expanding into the e-cigarette sector. However, due to their distance from e-cigarette manufacturing hubs, these enterprises usually adopt a dual-channel model of agents and direct sales—for instance, setting up sales outlets in Shenzhen. Customers can either place orders through sales agents or contact the manufacturers directly. Currently, the market price of MEMS-integrated microphones is approximately 0.5 yuan per unit.

 

According to research data from QYResearch, the global market sales of MEMS microphones for e-cigarettes are expected to reach 4.91 billion yuan by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2025 to 2031.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Swedish Match Faces Broader Labeling Order After ZYN Inspection, Documents Obtained by 2Firsts Show
Swedish Match Faces Broader Labeling Order After ZYN Inspection, Documents Obtained by 2Firsts Show
Documents obtained by 2Firsts show that Sweden's Public Health Agency ordered Swedish Match to revise ingredient labels beyond the five ZYN products inspected. The dispute centers on whether flavoring ingredients must be individually disclosed, with Swedish Match citing trade-secret protection and the regulator insisting on full ingredient disclosure. The company faces a conditional penalty of SEK 2 million per month for noncompliance. As of October 22, the agency had received no appeal, despite the company's stated intention to challenge the decision.
Oct.22
From Product Innovation to Integrated Solutions: NEXTECH Expands Its Global Heated Tobacco Solutions
From Product Innovation to Integrated Solutions: NEXTECH Expands Its Global Heated Tobacco Solutions
NEXTECH launched its NEXE Pro circumferential-heating tobacco stick globally at InterTabac 2026, as the company expands from product innovation into broader heated tobacco solutions. Amid intensifying competition across global HTP markets, NEXTECH is strengthening its R&D, manufacturing and pre-launch support capabilities to serve different types of business customers.
Industry Insight
Sep.15
Japanese Addiction Psychiatrist Says Complete Abstinence Is Not Always the Goal of Harm Reduction | 2Firsts Interview
Japanese Addiction Psychiatrist Says Complete Abstinence Is Not Always the Goal of Harm Reduction | 2Firsts Interview
Complete abstinence is not always the goal of addiction treatment under a harm-reduction approach, Japanese psychiatrist Tomohiro Shirasaka told 2Firsts in Manila. In the interview, he discussed patients' quality of life, Japan's shift towards heated tobacco products, and the challenges of quitting smoking for people with mental illness. Drawing on addiction treatment work in the Philippines, he advocated support rather than punishment and questioned whether fear-based health warnings effectively address the reasons people continue smoking.
Nov.10
JTI Proposes 25-Cent Irish Cigarette Tax Increase, Says It Could Raise €45 Million
JTI Proposes 25-Cent Irish Cigarette Tax Increase, Says It Could Raise €45 Million
Japan Tobacco International's Irish business has proposed a €0.25 tax increase on a pack of 20 cigarettes in its pre-Budget 2027 submission, below the €0.50-or-more increases typically imposed in recent Irish budgets. JTI says the proposal could generate around €45 million in additional Exchequer revenue while limiting further movement toward illicit and non-Irish-tax-paid tobacco. Revenue's existing estimate for a comparable €0.25 increase, including pro-rata rises on other tobacco products, is about €18 million for a full year.
JTI
Sep.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Special Report | Altria's NACS Booth Raises Questions Over U.S. Tobacco Advertising Warnings
Special Report | Altria's NACS Booth Raises Questions Over U.S. Tobacco Advertising Warnings
During its coverage of Altria's booth at NACS Show 2026, 2Firsts documented product displays that prompted questions about U.S. tobacco advertising warning requirements. Following public comments from a former FDA official, 2Firsts sought responses from Altria and independently consulted U.S. regulatory lawyer Azim Chowdhury. Altria maintained that its B2B communications complied with applicable laws, while Chowdhury explained that federal warning rules provide no general trade-show exemption for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The special report examines the broader regulatory implications.
Nov.04
Special Report | Can Nicotine Be Replaced? 6-MN Is Already on the Market While Key Human Evidence Is Still Missing
Special Report | Can Nicotine Be Replaced? 6-MN Is Already on the Market While Key Human Evidence Is Still Missing
Nicotine analogues such as 6-methylnicotine are already appearing in e-cigarettes and oral pouches, even as key human evidence remains limited. A new Nixodine-S study adds nonclinical data showing differences from nicotine in cytotoxicity and receptor activity, while independent studies point to a more complex toxicological picture. With supply-chain activity growing and FDA seeking clearer authority over nicotine analogues, the industry now faces a larger question: what evidence is needed before these substances can credibly replace nicotine?
SCIENCE
Sep.23