Samsung Foundry is currently grappling with significant challenges in advancing the production of its second-generation 3 nm node, known as 3GAP, with yield rates stubbornly stuck at a mere 20%. This low yield rate is far from the threshold needed for feasible mass production, according to recent reports. This ongoing issue is evidenced by the Exynos 2500 processor, which, despite appearing on Geekbench twice, is unlikely to feature in upcoming Galaxy devices like the Galaxy S25 or S25 Plus. The yield struggles of the 3GAP node seem to be a major contributing factor to this decision.
A report by the South Korean media outlet Sisa Journal has detailed the dire situation, echoing earlier reports from this year that painted a similarly bleak picture. Despite Samsung’s efforts to enhance these yields, progress has been minimal. The 20% yield figure might be based on somewhat dated data, yet it remains a substantial barrier to initiating full-scale manufacturing.
Samsung’s first-generation 3 nm node, the 3GAA, is managing slightly better, reaching a 60% yield. Nonetheless, it has failed to attract significant interest from key industry players, securing just one customer—a cryptocurrency ASIC manufacturer. The tepid demand for this older technology has prompted Samsung to scale back production across half of its facilities.
Samsung’s challenge with 3 nm technology not only impacts its semiconductor production capacity but also its competitiveness in the tech industry. As the company strives to resolve these production hurdles, the timeline for when they might reach optimal manufacturing efficiency remains uncertain. The tech world is watching closely to see how Samsung will navigate these complexities and how it might influence the future of cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
