Apple is set to become the initial customer of TSMC’s groundbreaking 2nm process, expected to be featured in the A20 chip for the upcoming iPhone 18 series. As TSMC opens up for orders for this cutting-edge node from April 1, it’s anticipated that other tech giants, including Qualcomm, will be eager to harness this advanced technology. Intriguingly, rumors suggest that Qualcomm is planning not one but two significant chipset releases using this 2nm process in 2026. One of these is likely to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3.
Rumors circulating from industry insider Digital Chat Station indicate that the elusive SM8950, believed to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3, will hit the market in 2026, crafted with TSMC’s sophisticated lithography. Additionally, the SM8945 might also see production, predicted to be a scaled-back iteration of its Gen 3 sibling. While it may share the same 2nm technology, it could feature a less potent GPU or down-tuned CPU cores.
The SM8945 could potentially be another entrant under Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 series, possibly named Snapdragon 8s Gen 6. TSMC is not alone in the race for superior manufacturing capabilities. With recent test runs achieving 60 percent yields, TSMC holds a promising position to attract big-ticket clients. In contrast, Samsung is also a contender, pushing forward with its 2nm GAA process, which has reportedly reached a 30 percent yield during its trial production of the Exynos 2600.
The financial burden of this advanced lithography is significant, with each 2nm wafer estimated to cost around $30,000. Hence, Qualcomm is exploring the potential of a dual-sourcing strategy, leveraging both TSMC and Samsung technologies to curtail production expenses. However, this tactic will depend heavily on Samsung’s ability to boost its 2nm yields. Previous insights suggest that Qualcomm may have to primarily rely on TSMC for its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and Gen 3 production due to yield concerns with Samsung. Any development in this strategic plan could shift Qualcomm’s approach, and updates will be provided as they unfold.
The future of 2nm chip production is rapidly unfolding, with top semiconductor players vying for leadership. As the competition intensifies, each advancement promises substantial impacts on innovation and cost-efficiency in the tech industry.
