Samsung Electronics is set to begin mass production of its 3nm Exynos app processors in the second half of 2024, challenging Apple's dominance in smartphones . and pressure on TSMC and Qualcomm.
Samsung is slowly rolling out the 3nm process
That's according to DigiTimes, which published a report on Samsung's 3nm Exynos chip this week.
Industry sources say Samsung will officially unveil its 3nm access points, codenamed “Solomon”, in 2025. System LSI completed production to film in early 2024, and the project moved to the Semiconductor Foundry for prototype production.
Exynos 3nm access points using the Gate-All-Around (GAA) process are expected , will surpass the previous Exynos 2400 from the Galaxy S24 series. Analysts predict that these new hotspots will be integrated into Galaxy S25 smartphones starting in late 2024, increasing Samsung's competitiveness in the semiconductor market.
Overall, this is the expected timeline for Samsung's transition to the 3nm process. chips:
- Mass production in 2024: Samsung is preparing to begin mass production of 3nm Exynos processors in the second half of 2024.
- Integration into Galaxy S25. Analysts expect these 3nm processors to be integrated into the Galaxy S25 smartphones, scheduled for release in late 2024.
- Official unveiling in 2025: The official unveiling of 3nm access points, codenamed Solomon, could be scheduled for 2025, potentially coinciding with broader announcements or additional products using the new technology.
Apple's Light Speed Lead
For comparison: Apple first introduced its 3- nm silicon in a smartphone in September 2023. The iPhone 15 Pro lineup uses the A17 Pro chip. This fall, Apple will release its second 3nm chip with the A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro, by the time Samsung manages to release its first 3nm chip.
Apple's year-long head Starts shipping 3- nm chips are attributable to several factors, including a strong relationship with TSMC, early investment and collaboration, supply chain management and financial resources.
At the moment, Apple has supplied three 3nm chips: A17 Pro, M3 and M4. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Apple is already setting the stage for its first 2nm chips. A “secret meeting” took place earlier this week; There has reportedly been a conflict between Apple and TSMC over 2nm chip manufacturing, likely a topic of discussion. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to switch to a 2nm process starting with the iPhone 17 Pro in September 2025.
To summarize: Apple will release its second-generation 3nm chip for the iPhone, while Samsung is preparing its first 3nm chip. A year later, Apple will likely release its first 2nm chip, and Samsung will continue to catch up.
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