Qualcomm and AMD Turn to Samsung for 2nm Chips Amid TSMC Capacity Constraints

As demand for upcoming 2nm semiconductors increases, Qualcomm and AMD are exploring Samsung Foundry’s 2nm process as an alternative to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

This move reflects capacity limits at TSMC and shows a gradual shift toward using multiple foundries ahead of 2026.

A 2nm chipset could change the world. For example, Arvind Srinivas, CEO of PerplexityAI, has said that in the future, AI systems will mostly run on hybrid models, using the user’s local storage instead of relying entirely on the cloud. With 2nm chips, devices could handle heavy AI tasks more smoothly, and in the future, they could even change the way consumers use technology.

TSMC Capacity Pressure Drives Strategic Reassessment

TSMC is still a leading semiconductor foundry for 2nm chip manufacturing, but the huge growth in AI technology has exceeded TSMC’s capacity to produce 2nm chips.

Major companies like Apple and NVIDIA have reportedly secured a large share of TSMC’s 3 nm output and future 2nm capacity, limiting access for other chip designers. (Via IXBT Games)

For companies such as Qualcomm and AMD, this creates two key challenges: higher wafer costs and uncertainty over long-term supply. With 2nm wafers expected to reach record-high prices, depending on a single foundry is becoming a growing business risk.

Samsung’s 2nm GAA Process Gains Attention

Samsung Foundry’s 2nm SF2 process, based on Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor design, is gaining new interest. Samsung was the first major foundry to use GAA on a large scale, giving it useful experience as the industry moves beyond FinFET technology.

Qualcomm is reportedly reviewing Samsung’s advanced process nodes for future flagship platforms, especially to balance performance, power efficiency, and supply stability. While TSMC remains Qualcomm’s main manufacturing partner, Samsung is seen only as a backup option.

On the other hand, AMD is also actively evaluating Samsung’s capabilities as part of a wider manufacturing diversification strategy. With next-generation EPYC server processors and Instinct accelerators expected to require cutting-edge nodes, AMD faces growing competition for TSMC’s limited capacity.

With mass production of 2nm chips expected around 2026, decisions made today will shape the competitive landscape for the next generation of mobile, PC, and data center processors. Samsung’s progress at 2 nm, combined with ongoing capacity pressure at TSMC, positions the Korean foundry as a serious contender for high-volume, leading-edge designs.