Qualcomm CEO Visits Korea to Secure 2nm Wafers from Samsung and LPDDR Supplies from SK Hynix

Securing Global Chip Supply Amidst Ongoing Constraints

The AI and PC industries are currently facing significant supply challenges, prompting chip manufacturers to actively seek partnerships and resources worldwide. This scenario underscores the urgency for companies like Qualcomm to enhance their semiconductor capabilities to meet the rising demand.

A Focused Agenda for Qualcomm’s Leadership Visit

One of the pivotal topics for discussion during Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon’s visit to South Korea involves commitments for expanding production capacity in AI and PC divisions. According to reports from the Korea Economic Daily, Amon’s meetings will focus on potential collaborations with industry leaders.

Two men in suits walking together along a modern hallway with wooden panel walls. — **Image Source: Hankyung (via Korea Economic Daily)**

Strategic Talks with Samsung Foundry

During his visit, Amon is set to engage with Han Jin-man, President of Samsung Foundry, to discuss leveraging Samsung’s advanced 2nm process technology for the development of next-generation chips. These chips include the cutting-edge Qualcomm Application Processor, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen2, among others. With the design phase complete, we can anticipate these chips entering mass production soon.

The core agenda of CEO Amon’s visit to Korea is cooperation with Samsung Foundry. On this day, CEO Amon will meet with foundry executives, including Han Jin-man, President of Samsung Electronics’ Foundry Business. It is reported that the two companies will discuss plans to manufacture Qualcomm’s next-generation application processor (AP), the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, using Samsung Electronics’ 2nm process (SF2).CEO Amon stated at CES 2026 last January, “We have started discussions with Samsung Electronics regarding contract manufacturing utilizing the 2nm process, and the design work has been completed.”

If a contract is signed, Qualcomm’s cutting-edge orders will return to Samsung for the first time in five years, after shifting to TSMC following 2022.

Hankyung Korea Market

Global DRAM Shortages and Impacts on Supply Chains

The ongoing global shortage of DRAM, particularly LPDDR memory utilized in AI datacenters, poses additional challenges for chip manufacturing giants like Qualcomm. The recent announcement from We hynix regarding its SOCAMM2 memory solution designed for NVIDIA’s Vera Rubin platform adds another layer of complexity, as it incorporates LPDDR5X modules. Given that Qualcomm also relies on LPDDR technology for its PC and smartphone system-on-chip (SoC) products, Amon’s discussions are likely to include securing additional supplies in this area.

Looking Ahead to Computex

With Computex just around the corner, where Amon is expected to deliver the opening keynote, Qualcomm is poised to unveil its strategic plans for both the PC and AI sectors. Investors and technology enthusiasts will be keenly watching for insights into how Qualcomm plans to navigate these supply chain challenges and advance its position in the competitive landscape.

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