Apple is poised to become the inaugural customer of TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm manufacturing process. Reports suggest that this technology will be implemented for the mass production of the A20 chip, which is expected to power the upcoming iPhone 18 series. As TSMC prepares to accept orders starting April 1, other technology companies, including Qualcomm, are also positioning themselves to leverage the advanced process, underscoring the competitive landscape in semiconductor manufacturing.
Potential Developments in Qualcomm’s Chipset Releases
According to rumors circulating from sources like Digital Chat Station, Qualcomm aims to utilize TSMC’s 2nm technology for two new chipsets set to be released in 2026. One of these is anticipated to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3. However, speculation suggests that the second chipset, identified as the SM8945, might be a more economical variant, possibly featuring a modified GPU or reduced performance capabilities.
Future Naming and Positioning of Snapdragon Series
It is likely that the SM8945 will be categorized among Qualcomm’s ‘Snapdragon 8s’ family, potentially denoted as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 6. TSMC’s pursuit of robust orders isn’t merely a solo venture; the foundry is currently outperforming its competition. Recent reports indicated that TSMC’s trial production run achieved a yield of 60%, offering a hopeful outlook for future mass production.
Samsung’s Competitive Edge in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Meanwhile, Samsung is also striving to refine its 2nm technology, with reports suggesting that their 2nm GAA process achieved only 30% yields during initial test production of the Exynos 2600. As operational costs for each wafer can reach upwards of $30, 000, Qualcomm is reportedly considering a dual-sourcing strategy. This would allow them to alleviate production costs by utilizing both TSMC and Samsung capabilities, provided that Samsung can enhance its yield rates sufficiently.
Strategic Decisions Ahead for Qualcomm
Nevertheless, prior statements suggest that Qualcomm may have limited options, potentially leading them to rely exclusively on TSMC for manufacturing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and Elite Gen 3 chips. Should there be any alterations in Qualcomm’s sourcing strategy, updates will be provided to keep you informed.
For more details, check the original source from: Digital Chat Station.
Source & Images: Wccftech
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