Apple and Qualcomm may launch 2nm chips next year, manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor

Zhitong
2025.06.24 13:50
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Counterpoint Research expects that Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek will launch 2nm system-on-chip in the second half of 2026, with Taiwan Semiconductor as the manufacturer. With the integration of AI capabilities and the accelerated adoption of 3nm and 2nm technologies, it is anticipated that by 2026, one-third of smartphone system-on-chip will utilize these technologies. Taiwan Semiconductor will begin 2nm packaging testing in the second half of 2025 and achieve mass production in 2026

According to the Zhitong Finance APP, Counterpoint Research stated that Apple (AAPL.US), Qualcomm (QCOM.US), and MediaTek may launch 2nm system-on-chip (SoC) in the second half of 2026, with the new processors likely to be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM.US).

According to Counterpoint's report, the adoption of 3nm and 2nm nodes is accelerating as companies integrate more artificial intelligence (AI) features into their devices, partly due to their stronger performance and energy efficiency. The agency also noted that Apple will be a major driver of this technological upgrade, with over 80% of its product line adopting 3nm process technology this year.

Counterpoint senior analyst Parv Sharma stated in a statement: "The current demand for complex AI capabilities at the device level is greatly driving the transition to smaller, more powerful, and more efficient nodes. The overall cost of system-on-chips is rising due to increased wafer prices and the higher semiconductor content in smartphone SoCs. The 3nm and 2nm nodes will reach an important milestone, with one-third of smartphone SoCs expected to adopt these technologies by 2026."

Sharma continued: "Taiwan Semiconductor will begin the packaging testing process for the 2nm node in the second half of 2025 and achieve mass production in 2026. Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek are expected to launch their first flagship SoC products by the end of 2026."

According to TrendForce data, Taiwan Semiconductor held about two-thirds of the semiconductor foundry market in the fourth quarter of 2024. Counterpoint research director Brady Wang stated that as the chip industry continues to focus more on advanced nodes, Taiwan Semiconductor is expected to maintain a strong position given its robust technological capabilities.

Wang explained: "Taiwan Semiconductor is likely to account for 87% of the total shipment volume of smartphone SoCs at 5nm and below (3nm and 2nm), and this proportion is expected to grow to 89% by the end of 2028."

Major clients such as Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek rely on Taiwan Semiconductor, which may make it difficult for Samsung's foundries to compete in cutting-edge fields. Wang added that part of the reason is due to past yield issues that have delayed the application of 3nm processes in smartphones

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