Qualcomm is still fresh in our memory for having grown dissatisfied with Samsung's semiconductor manufacturing technology, rushing out an improved version of its flagship SoC, the "Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1," and switching production to TSMC. However, it seems the company hasn't completely severed its relationship with Samsung.
Reports suggest orders may resume depending on the performance of Samsung's 3nm GAA process
Qualcomm's switch from Samsung to TSMC for chip orders is said to have been due to Samsung Foundry's 4nm process struggling with a yield rate of around 35%, compared to TSMC's over 70%—a decision that was probably only natural from the ordering party's perspective. Furthermore, TSMC's 4nm process is also said to offer higher power efficiency, and it appears likely that Qualcomm will also order the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 from TSMC.
According to a report from The Elec, Qualcomm reportedly showed design samples of its 3nm chip to TSMC before doing so with Samsung. This is said to be because Samsung continues to face yield issues with its 3nm GAA process. However, it has also been reported that TSMC is already set to begin mass production of Apple's M2 Pro and M2 Max using its 3nm technology later this year, and if these orders end up affecting Qualcomm's future shipments, the company may add Samsung back as a candidate foundry partner.
It's said that Qualcomm has once again reserved capacity for Samsung's 3nm GAA process. The report also states that Qualcomm is receiving "VIP treatment," allowing it to view Samsung's cutting-edge technology at any time and decide on adoption based on its progress. Samsung, meanwhile, has recently reshuffled its top leadership, including replacing the head of semiconductor research, citing the lack of improvement in 4nm process yields.
This management reshuffle may allow Samsung to optimize its 3nm GAA yields, but since trial runs have only just begun, more detailed information about its progress will likely become clear in the future.
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