08. January 2026
Qualcomm Seeks New Chip Production Path As Samsung Enters The Fray
Qualcomm’s Shift in Manufacturing Strategy: A New Partnership with Samsung?
Qualcomm, a leading provider of smartphone processors, is reportedly exploring a new manufacturing partnership with Samsung, one of the world’s largest chipmakers. This move marks a departure from Qualcomm’s long-standing relationship with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which has been its primary partner for high-end Snapdragon chips.
The news comes at a time when TSMC’s dominance in advanced chip manufacturing has raised concerns about consistency and yields. While TSMC’s expertise has ensured reliable production, it also comes with a price tag. Companies looking to manufacture their own chips have had to navigate higher costs and reduced options for cutting-edge process nodes.
Samsung’s recent success in the 2-nanometer (2nm) process has changed the narrative, however. The company’s advancements in this area have sparked interest among major clients, including Apple and Tesla. According to reports from South Korea, Qualcomm is now in active talks with Samsung to manufacture a future Snapdragon chipset using Samsung’s second-generation 2nm process, known as SF2P.
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon confirmed the discussions during CES 2026, stating that the company started conversations with Samsung Electronics first on contract manufacturing using the latest 2nm process. While the chip involved in these talks is not publicly named, it is easy to guess that the business involves next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processors.
The decision to partner with Samsung for 2nm production suggests that the company has achieved maturity, power efficiency, and yields in its chip manufacturing. This shift marks a significant turning point for Qualcomm, which had previously relied heavily on TSMC for high-end Snapdragon chips due to concerns about Samsung’s consistency at smaller process nodes.
Samsung has already announced plans to mass-produce 2nm chips ahead of its rivals, starting with its own Exynos 2600 processor, which is expected to power the Galaxy S26 lineup. The company has also reportedly attracted interest from several high-profile customers, including Tesla, AMD, and Google.
Tesla, in particular, has signed on as a client for Samsung’s 2nm production. According to reports, the electric vehicle manufacturer will be using Samsung’s chips in its upcoming vehicles. This partnership is significant, given Tesla’s reputation for demanding high-performance components.
AMD and Google are also rumored to be exploring similar paths with Samsung. The company recently signed massive deals with Apple and Tesla, which underscores its growing confidence in its manufacturing capabilities. AMD, in particular, might use Samsung’s 2nm process for some future chips, according to reports from South Korea.
The talks between Qualcomm and Samsung come as TSMC has revealed plans to raise foundry prices over the next three years. This move puts even more pressure on companies that rely on TSMC, highlighting the need for alternative options. The shift in manufacturing strategy could provide a welcome respite for companies looking to diversify their supply chains.
Samsung’s success in the 2nm process has been driven by its investments in research and development. The company has developed advanced technologies, including the SF2P process, which delivers better performance, significantly lower power consumption, and a smaller chip footprint compared to its first 2nm offering.
Mass production of SF2P is expected to begin in 2026, followed by an improved SF2P+ version in 2027. If talks with Qualcomm go well, AMD and Samsung could finalize a deal as soon as next month. For Samsung, AMD would become another high-profile customer for its 2nm line after Tesla.
This partnership between Qualcomm and Samsung marks an exciting development in the world of chip manufacturing. As companies look to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependence on TSMC, partnerships like this one could provide a welcome solution. With Samsung’s growing confidence in its manufacturing capabilities and Qualcomm’s willingness to explore alternative options, it will be interesting to see how this partnership unfolds.
The implications of this shift are far-reaching, with potential benefits for companies looking to manufacture their own chips. By exploring alternative manufacturing partners, such as Samsung, companies can reduce their reliance on TSMC and benefit from improved power efficiency and performance.
As the chip industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Qualcomm’s partnership with Samsung impacts the market. With advancements in 2nm technology and growing demand for high-performance components, this partnership could have significant consequences for the future of smartphone processors.
The rise of 5G and increasing demand for high-performance components underscore the importance of reliable chip manufacturing. By exploring alternative manufacturing partners, companies can reduce their reliance on TSMC and benefit from improved power efficiency and performance.
As Qualcomm’s partnership with Samsung continues to take shape, it is clear that this shift will have a lasting impact on the industry. The potential benefits for companies looking to manufacture their own chips are significant, and the implications of this shift will be felt for years to come.
With Samsung’s growing confidence in its manufacturing capabilities and Qualcomm’s willingness to explore alternative options, there is reason to believe that this partnership could have significant consequences for the future of smartphone processors. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how this partnership unfolds and what benefits it brings to companies looking to diversify their supply chains.
The partnership between Qualcomm and Samsung marks a new era in chip manufacturing, one that promises to bring improved power efficiency, performance, and reduced costs to companies looking to manufacture their own chips. As the industry continues to move forward, it will be interesting to see how this partnership shapes the future of smartphone processors.