Samsung has made a strategic leap, aiming to keep up with TSMC by starting prototype mass production of the Exynos 2600 using a 2nm process. However, TSMC continues to soar, benefiting from years of reliable service to high-profile clients like Apple. With unmatched expertise in advanced lithography, TSMC is projected to capture an impressive 75% of the foundry market by 2026.
TSMC began accepting orders for 2nm wafers back in April, receiving substantial interest from major players such as NVIDIA, AMD, Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek. According to a new report, the company’s market share will rise to 75%, up from 70% in 2025, thanks to its solid track record and innovation.
While the report stops short of confirming a $30,000 price per 2nm wafer, it hints at a figure close to it, encouraging clients to increase their order volumes. For comparison, 3nm wafers are priced around $20,000 each. With Samsung struggling to attract customers for its 2nm GAA technology, prominent clients are likely to gravitate toward TSMC, solidifying its dominance.
As companies place their confidence in TSMC, the cost of advancing to these cutting-edge manufacturing processes will be significant. The anticipated 1.4nm node, known as Angstrom, could carry a staggering price of $45,000 per wafer. Although production isn’t expected until 2028, the timeline is rapidly approaching.
Amid this scenario, Samsung’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the foundry market become crucial. Major companies might adopt a dual-sourcing strategy to manage expenses, giving Samsung a potential opportunity to capture market share.
