- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
50%
Plausible
The year 2026 could be the turning point for Samsung and its foundry business, as a new report says that the company’s 2nm GAA yields are stabilizing. With orders from various customers piling up, this sector could finally post a profit next year. As TSMC’s capacity begins to reach its limit, lots of clients are viewing Samsung as a viable alternative, including Qualcomm, and with its current progress, the chipset maker’s chances to successfully place orders with its new foundry partner are increasing.
From suffering losses of 7 trillion won (approximately $4.85 billion) in 2025, Samsung’s foundry fortunes are turning, with the company also focusing on leveraging its profitable 4nm and 8nm processes
The Head of Research at KB Securities, Kim Dong-won, has estimated that Samsung’s foundry sector will finally turn a profit in 2027, with the Korean titan believed to pocket an impressive $69 billion in operating profits next year. This outstanding feat deserves more praise, as Samsung managed to avert a financial crisis from 2022 onward amid a downturn in semiconductor earnings.
The analyst has mentioned that the company recorded a loss of a whopping 7 trillion won in 2025, and it's expected to fully recover next year, thanks to improving its 2nm GAA yields and boosting the operating rates of its 4nm and 8nm technologies, which are considered highly profitable. Of course, it should be noted that Samsung’s chance to secure orders from Qualcomm and reach its profitability status relies heavily on its Taylor plant’s operations.
Samsung is estimated to have invested over $37 billion in this facility, and reportedly plans to commence EUV testing operations at the U.S. site in March as it transitions from 4nm production to 2nm GAA. Its next-generation lithography has attracted the likes of AMD, with Qualcomm possibly next in line as the design work of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is completed. Even if the San Diego firm isn’t willing to place orders in early 2026, its plans could change with the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.
To reduce its foundry costs, Qualcomm could opt for TSMC’s 2nm N2P node to mass produce the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, whereas Samsung’s 2nm GAA technology can be utilized for the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. We have reached out to the foundry behemoth for any updates regarding this potential partnership and will return with more information.
News Source: Chosun
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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