Samsung promotes independent research and development of Exynos 2600, plans to provide 2nm/3nm processes for Qualcomm and Nvidia
Nov 19,2024
Samsung Electronics' foundry division is enhancing its semiconductor capabilities by mass producing Exynos 2600 (tentative name) chips, marking a push for self-sufficiency strategy in mobile application processors (APs). Although industry observers have speculated that Samsung may reduce its investment, the company still insists on AP development and plans to include Qualcomm and Nvidia as potential customers for its 2nm and 3nm processes.
A South Korean industry report points out that the low yield rate in Samsung's OEM business has hindered recent progress in AP. However, the introduction of the 2nm process may mark a turning point. Samsung plans to integrate the Exynos 2600 into the Galaxy S26 series smartphones, which is different from its old strategy of using Exynos and Qualcomm chips based on market demand.
Samsung is facing difficulties in the production of 3nm GAA (fully surround gate) technology, especially with yield far below the initial target, forcing Samsung to remove the Exynos 2500 from the Galaxy S25 series. Although the Exynos 2500 may still appear in upcoming foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold 7, Samsung's main focus has shifted to the development of the Exynos 2600 AP.
Despite the slowdown in recruitment in Samsung's foundry division, the company continues to seek orders from large tech companies. Samsung OEM has identified Samsung System LSI, Qualcomm, and Nvidia as key potential customers. However, so far, only Japanese AI startup Preferred Networks (PFN) has been confirmed as a customer for its 2nm process.
A South Korean industry report points out that the low yield rate in Samsung's OEM business has hindered recent progress in AP. However, the introduction of the 2nm process may mark a turning point. Samsung plans to integrate the Exynos 2600 into the Galaxy S26 series smartphones, which is different from its old strategy of using Exynos and Qualcomm chips based on market demand.
Samsung is facing difficulties in the production of 3nm GAA (fully surround gate) technology, especially with yield far below the initial target, forcing Samsung to remove the Exynos 2500 from the Galaxy S25 series. Although the Exynos 2500 may still appear in upcoming foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold 7, Samsung's main focus has shifted to the development of the Exynos 2600 AP.
Despite the slowdown in recruitment in Samsung's foundry division, the company continues to seek orders from large tech companies. Samsung OEM has identified Samsung System LSI, Qualcomm, and Nvidia as key potential customers. However, so far, only Japanese AI startup Preferred Networks (PFN) has been confirmed as a customer for its 2nm process.