Exynos 2600 Design Deadline Set for Q3 2025 to Compete in Samsung Galaxy S26 Series; Potential Impact on Exynos 2500 Development

Samsung is at a critical juncture as it prepares for the launch of its upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup. The technology giant must ensure that the devices are not solely reliant on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor. At the forefront of this challenge is the Exynos 2600 chipset. According to recent reports, the design of this next-generation chip must be finalized by the third quarter of 2025 to support Samsung’s flagship series. However, current yield rates of the chip indicate potential hurdles that could impede its timely development.

Progress and Challenges in Samsung’s 2nm GAA Technology

Samsung’s trial production using 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology exhibits promising developments, although yield rates still require improvement to enable full-scale manufacturing of the Exynos 2600. Current reports indicate that yields stand at approximately 30%, which, while an improvement over the earlier 3nm GAA technology, fall short when compared to TSMC. The Taiwanese counterpart boasts yield rates nearly double that of Samsung’s, highlighting the competitive landscape of semiconductor manufacturing. With approximately 10 months remaining until mass production must commence, Samsung is under significant time pressure.

Recent insights from The Bell suggest an urgent need for Samsung to accelerate its pace. The report indicates that the Exynos 2600’s design should ideally be final by the middle of the third quarter of this year, although it remains unclear if this timeline pertains solely to design completion or if it also includes mass production schedules. Such ambiguity could impact the strategic planning of Samsung’s future product launches.

If Samsung can meet the design deadline, it should provide the company with the necessary time to transition into mass production of the 2nm GAA wafers, allowing the cutting-edge System on Chip (SoC) to be integrated into the Galaxy S26 lineup. Reports suggest that prototype production for the Exynos 2600 was initiated in May of this year, with Samsung prioritizing yield enhancement efforts to ensure manufacturability.

However, this concentrated focus on the Exynos 2600 raises uncertainties surrounding the Exynos 2500’s launch. Earlier reports indicated that mass production had begun, with expectations for a release in the latter half of 2025. As of now, it remains uncertain which device models will feature this new silicon. As we await further developments, the industry and consumers alike are hopeful for renewed competition and innovation from Samsung.

News Source: The Bell

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