TSMC currently has no viable competitor as it looks to bump up production of its 2nm technology later this year, but given enough time, Samsung could rival it with its own 2nm GAA technology. The journey is going to be an arduous one, but the latest report states that the Korean foundry is gradually making improvements to its next-generation lithography, and it is estimated that there will be immense demand for chips manufactured on this node for up to four years.
A more cautious approach is being taken by Samsung, as it continues to struggle to bring up 2nm GAA yields, but it has ample time to introduce improvements and iterations
The company’s decision to delay its 1.4nm process to focus solely on 2nm GAA was the correct move, seeing as how Samsung reportedly plans to introduce multiple variations of its cutting-edge process. According to Chosun, the foundry behemoth is focused on two areas so it can transform itself into a TSMC alternative. Additional details were shared by tipster @Jukanlosreve, mentioning that internally, Samsung expects demand for 2nm GAA wafers to persist for at least three years. During this period, the chip manufacturer is also focused on tackling heat dissipation and stabilizing performance.
Earlier, Samsung was reported to have commenced a ‘selection and concentration’ strategy where it aimed to solely focus on the 2nm GAA process and bring its yields to 70 percent. Those figures are 20-30 percent behind TSMC’s yields, but the current results are better than the management’s conservative forecasts. With mass production expected in the second half of 2025, Samsung is establishing manufacturing lines at the Pyeongtaek plant and other sites. While the following was not mentioned in the report, Samsung also has plans to introduce improved versions of its 2nm GAA node, starting with the second-generation process, whose basic design is reportedly completed.
The third generation of the same process is called ‘SF2P+,’ and Samsung is aiming to implement it within two years. However, it is unconfirmed if production will start at the aforementioned plants or if there are other facilities that the company has planned to construct in the future. Given Samsung’s poor track record, it will not be favored for future orders, so it must build trust with various industry contracts while also offering its 2nm GAA wafers at a discount to lure customers. After a couple of years, we could see some competition in this space, but for now, Samsung cannot be in the same conversation as TSMC.
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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