Bluetooth seems to have reached a maturation period with growth rates that, while strong, do not match the growth of the recent past, reports In-Stat market research firm. Still, there is a place for growth.

The Bluetooth chip market should benefit as new standards, such as low-energy and high-speed Bluetooth, are expected to be introduced into devices beginning in late 2009, and in volumes beginning in 2010, the high-tech market research firm said. In fact, already in 2008 the growth of Bluetooth-enabled device shipments will increase by 26%, In-Stat indicated.

“These new silicon products will spur additional growth in Bluetooth-enabled product shipments, and high-speed Bluetooth ASPs (average selling prices) will help to keep revenues strong as other Bluetooth ASPs continue to decline. Current market growth for Bluetooth devices is primarily attributed to sales growth in mobile phones, which is the top market for Bluetooth silicon shipments,” said Brian O’Rourke, an In-Stat analyst.

Silicon manufacturers are continuing to roll out integrated radio chips with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and FM, which is why the market will continue to grow.

Sales of mono headsets, another high-volume application for Bluetooth, will continue to grow, particularly as regulations surrounding mobile phone usage while driving continue to be made standard in many states, In-Stat said.