Rumored Release of First 2nm N2 Chipsets by Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek in 2026; Speculations on ‘N2P’ Launches for Next Year Dismissed

As Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) accelerates its production of cutting-edge 2nm wafers, major industry players like Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek have expressed strong interest in securing the first shipments. Notably, MediaTek appears to be leading the pack, having completed the tape-out of its 2nm system-on-chip (SoC), with an expected launch slated for late 2026. Meanwhile, Qualcomm has stirred speculation about potentially skipping to the more advanced N2P variant, though recent insights suggest that such a move may not be occurring next year.

Qualcomm’s Launch Schedule: Focus on TSMC’s N2 Process

Recent reports on Weibo by Fixed Focus Digital claim that only the 2nm N2 chipsets will debut in 2026. This news seems to contradict earlier rumors stating that Qualcomm would release its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, built on TSMC’s next-generation N2P lithography. The rationale behind Qualcomm potentially staying with the N2 process is logical; leveraging an advanced manufacturing method at this stage seems impractical, particularly given that the N2 variant is already in full-scale production.

If Qualcomm were to transition to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 utilizing TSMC’s 2nm N2P node at a later date, it could face challenges with lower yields. This is primarily due to TSMC’s timeline, which indicates that mass production of the N2P wafers will commence after those for the N2. Additionally, TSMC’s pricing for 2nm N2P wafers is higher, making the N2 process not just a sensible but a financially sound choice for Qualcomm at this stage.

Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek bringing the first 2nm N2 chipset releases in 2026

Despite Qualcomm and MediaTek’s plans to unveil new chipsets based on TSMC’s 2nm technology, it is anticipated that Apple will take the lead by launching its A20 and A20 Pro chips for the iPhone 18 lineup. Reports suggest that Apple has secured over half of TSMC’s initial production capacity, likely as a strategic move to outpace its rivals. This aggressive acquisition of resources may have influenced Qualcomm to consider collaborations with Samsung.

Furthermore, there are indications that a 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) sample of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has been sent to Qualcomm for testing. If the performance meets expectations, Qualcomm may adopt a hybrid approach, utilizing technologies from both Samsung and TSMC for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. For now, our focus remains on the upcoming SoC launches for next year. We will provide updates if any changes to this timeline emerge.

News Source: Fixed Focus Digital

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