The 3nm node remains a popular pick for AI firms as it offers a blend of efficiency, performance, and price, but given that there’s only one wafer manufacturer in the entire world to develop this technology with little complications, TSMC appears to have its hands full. According to the latest statistics, even after ramping production up to 175,000 monthly units for Q2 2026, the Taiwanese semiconductor giant still has trouble meeting demand, showing just how overwhelming the situation has become.
Supporting this kind of demand for its 3nm technology will force TSMC to execute a 15 percent price increase; AI customers don’t believe switching to Samsung is a better approach
As TSMC invests in expanding its 3nm production facilities and introduces newer packaging technologies like CoWoS and SoIC, the company becomes an immediate favorite among AI customers. According to figures posted by Commercial Times, the manufacturer’s monthly capacity for the 3nm node has reached 160,000 to 175,000 units, but even after this expansion, the report states that it’s unable to meet demand.
This problem will definitely trickle down to TSMC’s more advanced 2nm process, but given the scale at which AI customers operate, transitioning from 3nm to a technologically superior node is incredibly expensive. However, the Taiwanese firm likely realizes that this shift may happen sooner rather than later, and even after Apple continues to adopt this technology for several years for its SoCs, TSMC’s real test will happen when the AI boom stretches to this lithography.
In preparation for this event, a previous report stated that TSMC is projected to invest an estimated $28.6 billion, which will be utilized to manufacture three additional plants. At this pace, TSMC could target an impressive 140,000 monthly units within just one year of the 2nm process’ inception, making it exceed the 3nm node’s popularity. Then again, there’s no guarantee the company can meet demand a few years from now, and there’s little certainty that TSMC’s AI clientele will find a viable alternative in Samsung.
Sure, the Korean giant may have access to its 2nm GAA process, but at just 60 percent yields, it isn’t operating at the same scale as TSMC. However, it’s somewhat possible that AI customers place small orders simply because Samsung has access to next-generation nodes, becoming a decent backup if not a worthy alternative. In short, the largest semiconductor firm may continue to wrestle with insane levels of demand, at least until Samsung can get its act together.
News Source: Commercial Times
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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