Qualcomm explores 2nm chip production with Samsung; rekindles dual-foundry strategy

Qualcomm is officially in discussions with Samsung Electronics to explore contract manufacturing of its cutting-edge 2-nanometre (2nm) chips, a move that would end several years of near-exclusive reliance on TSMC for its flagship silicon. Speaking at CES 2026 on Wednesday, January 7, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon confirmed that the company is engaging Samsung first among several foundries.

“Among many foundry companies, we have started discussions with Samsung Electronics for contract manufacturing using the latest 2-nanometer process first,” Amon told reporters. He noted that chip designs for the next-generation platform—widely expected to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5—are already complete, with commercialization targeted for the near future.

The talks signal Qualcomm’s intent to leverage Samsung’s Gate-All-Around (GAA) architecture, which promises a 25-30% reduction in power consumption and higher transistor density. This “dual-sourcing” strategy is critical for Qualcomm as it scales its “Agentic AI” capabilities across smartphones, automotive, and robotics.

Samsung’s Foundry Resurgence Samsung Electronics, which has invested heavily in its SF2 (2nm) node, declined to comment on specific customer negotiations. However, the company’s recently appointed chip chief, Jun Young-hyun, described the foundry business as being “primed for a great leap forward” in his New Year’s address.

Samsung’s technical credibility was significantly bolstered in July 2025 when it signed a landmark $16.5 billion contract with Tesla to produce next-generation AI6 chips at its new Taylor, Texas, fabrication plant. Securing Qualcomm as a 2nm client would further cement Samsung’s position as a viable alternative to TSMC in the leading-edge semiconductor market.

While a successful partnership could accelerate Qualcomm’s rollout of AI-centric chips, industry analysts warn that yield stabilization on the 2nm GAA node remains the primary hurdle for mass production, expected to ramp up in late 2026.

Summary

Qualcomm is returning to Samsung Electronics for the contract manufacturing of its next-generation 2-nanometre (2nm) chips, marking a pivotal return to a “dual-foundry” strategy. Announced at CES 2026, the collaboration targets the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, leveraging Samsung’s advanced Gate-All-Around (GAA) architecture. This deal signals a resurgence for Samsung’s Foundry business, which recently secured a $16.5 billion agreement with Tesla, as Qualcomm looks to diversify its supply chain and reduce its exclusive reliance on TSMC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the “dual-foundry” strategy mentioned in the report? 

It is Qualcomm’s plan to split production of its flagship chips between two manufacturers (TSMC and Samsung). This reduces supply chain risk and provides Qualcomm with better pricing leverage.

Q2: Which specific chip will Samsung manufacture? 

The discussions center on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which will likely power flagship smartphones in the 2026-2027 cycle, including the Samsung Galaxy S27.

Q3: How does this deal relate to the $16.5 billion Tesla contract? 

The Tesla deal (signed in July 2025) proved that Samsung’s advanced nodes and its Texas facility could handle massive, high-stakes orders, giving Qualcomm the confidence to return to Samsung for 2nm production.

Q4: What makes 2nm technology different from current chips? 

The 2nm node uses GAA (Gate-All-Around) transistors, which offer significantly better electrical control and power efficiency than the FinFET structure used in current 3nm and 4nm chips.

Q5: When will 2nm Qualcomm chips be available in devices? 

While designs are finished, the validation and yield-ramp phase typically takes 12 months. The first consumer devices are expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027.