Samsung plans a 130% increase in 2nm GAA chip orders by 2026, leveraging 50% yield rates to compete with TSMC, with Tesla as a key client and AI accelerator developments.
© A. Krivonosov
Samsung is preparing to significantly expand its presence in the advanced semiconductor market, aiming to increase orders for its 2-nanometer GAA process by 130% in 2026. This optimism is grounded in industry reports indicating that the yield rate for chips on this process has already reached about 50%, a crucial milestone for stable production scaling and direct competition with TSMC.
The situation favors the Korean company further because TSMC has recently faced challenges with supply and capacity utilization. Against this backdrop, Samsung is actively courting major clients by offering an alternative based on its own 2-nanometer GAA technology. Tesla has already become one such customer, with previously published information noting a contract worth around $16.5 billion with Samsung.
According to DigiTimes, Samsung is now focusing not only on mobile chips but also on accelerators for artificial intelligence. Successful testing of the Exynos 2600 has shown the technology is reaching a stable level, meaning the company is ready to take on more ambitious orders. South Korean analysts view the stated 130% growth as a signal of Samsung's confidence that key clients will be secured soon.
In this strategy, Samsung's American factory in Taylor, Texas, plays a distinct role. Originally designed for the 4-nanometer process, sources now indicate the company plans to deploy 2-nanometer GAA production there, simultaneously strengthening its position in the U.S. market and responding to local government demands. Test runs of EUV equipment at the site are scheduled for March, highlighting the rapid pace of preparation.
Interestingly, Qualcomm is not mentioned among potential major clients in the report. This may suggest that negotiations between the companies have either not started or not progressed far. Rumors indicate that future Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Gen 6 Pro models this year will exclusively use TSMC's 2-nanometer N2P process, temporarily leaving Samsung without one of its most desired customers.