Now that both Qualcomm and MediaTek have launched their latest flagship SoCs, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Dimensity 9500, we’re coming across some early leaks about the next-gen chips. Following background, they could be called the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Dimensity 9600. A new report now suggests that Qualcomm and MediaTek may leverage TSMC’s improved 2nm N2P process for these chips, edging out Apple.

Qualcomm and MediaTek reportedly eyeing TSMC’s improved 2nm N2P process

TSMC has two versions of its next-generation lithography, the N2 and its successor, N2P. Apple may unveil the A20 and A20 Pro on the former, while Qualcomm and MediaTek could reportedly leverage the N2P node. While Qualcomm has been rumored to move to a 2nm N2P processor for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, the new Commercial Times report brings MediaTek to the mix.

TSMC previously announced the completion of the tape-out of its first 2nm chip and will launch it in late 2026. The 2nm N2P wafers could enter mass production in the second half of 2026.

Initially, we’ve come across leaks that said Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek will launch SoCs on TSMC’s 2nm N2 node. But the latest reports suggest that Android chip makers are moving towards the superior N2P variant. It could be because the tech giants want an edge in the chip race over Apple. Especially after seeing A19 Pro achieving the “best performance” per watt metrics in Geekbench 6 against Snapdragon and Dimensity chips. 

This move could give them an advantage over Apple

Using the same manufacturing processor wouldn’t cut it for Qualcomm and MediaTek. Apple has been developing in-house chips for years, and its engineers have been designing custom CPU and GPU cores surpassing the competition. The new A19 Pro’s efficiency cores managed to deliver up to 29% better performance at no increase in power consumption.

For Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is its second smartphone SoC with entirely in-house cores. Meanwhile, for Dimensity 9500, it relies on ARM’s CPU and GPU designs. This helps it lower its costs but comes at the cost of slower and less efficient performance. Meanwhile, despite the 2nm design, Samsung’s Exynos 2600, which could power the Galaxy S26 series, has limitations, as it may not ship with an integrated modem.

Apple was previously reported to have secured more than half of the initial 2nm supply. This could be a move to leave the competition behind. At this juncture, a sensible alternative would be to jump to the N2P node. Analysts estimate that TSMC’s 2nm process will be a “scarce resource” next year.

The post Qualcomm and MediaTek May Beat Apple to TSMC’s 2nm Chips appeared first on Android Headlines.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Dimensity 9600 are being prepared for a launch from Qualcomm and MediaTek, respectively, with both chipset manufacturers leveraging TSMC’s advanced 2nm process for the first time. However, the Taiwanese semiconductor has two versions of its next-generation lithography, the N2 and its successor, N2P. Where Apple has been reported to unveil the A20 and A20 Pro on the first iteration, a report says that Qualcomm and MediaTek will surpass their rival and unveil their chipsets on the N2P node. TSMC’s 2nm process to be a scarce resource, claim analysts, with monthly capacity reaching between 15,000 […]

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