In a surprise move, Apple procured TSMC's entire first run of 3nm chips in 2023. Google was supposed to introduce their Pixel 8 Pro smartphones using Samsung's 3nm chip, but that didn't pan out. Instead the Pixel 8 Pro used a 4nm processor from Samsung. That was a little embarrassing for Google while killer smart on Apple's part.

Google doesn't want that situation to be repeated when it comes to next-generation 2nm processors. In a report from ETNews today, it was confirmed that Qualcomm, the world's largest mobile application processor (AP) company, has asked Samsung Electronics to develop a 2nm AP. Although there are still procedures left until mass-production, it's drawing keen attention as it will lead to final orders if its superiority in performance and yield are confirmed.

According to industry insiders today, Samsung Electronics ordered the development of 2nm AP prototypes of Qualcomm's top-tier AP (expected next model for Snapdragon 8 series).

Prototype development is a procedure to identify semiconductor performance and yield. In the semiconductor industry, it's usually called "Multi Project Wafer (MPW)," which is to make several semiconductor prototypes on a single wafer. Based on this, semiconductor design companies will make final decisions on whether to mass-produce.  Although it's a kind of sample production, it's the first stage for mass production of semiconductors. According to industry sources, Qualcomm has requested both Samsung and TSMC to produce 2-nano prototypes. Prototype development usually takes six months to a year and it should be concluded within the year.

Samsung and TSMC are preparing to mass-produce 2nm semiconductors in 2025 and an all-out chip war is expected to follow. Samsung knows that is has to win Qualcomm's order for 2nm if its foundry is to be taken seriously against TSMC.

Qualcomm commissioned Samsung Electronics to produce the first generation of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 until the first half of 2022, but moved its base back to TSMC from its performance improvement product 8+. At that time, it was pointed out that Samsung Electronics' 4nm process yield was not sufficiently secured. Since then, TSMC has been in charge of mass production until the second and third generations. This is a painful point for Samsung, which fostered the foundry business.

TSCM will be introducing  'Gate All-Around (GAA)' process for the very first time in their 2-nano chips. Samsung is ahead of TSMC on this front having produced their 3nm processors using 'Gate All-Around (GAA).' Will that give Samsung an edge in securing Google's business? Only time will tell.

For now, Google is pushing both TSMC and Samsung to ensure that they'll be able to use 2nm processors in their top-end 2025 Pixel Pro smartphone and not be left out in the cold like they were with 3nm chips with Apple securing all of TSMC's capacity.