Samsung 2nm Wafer Yields: Apple, AMD & NVIDIA Reportedly Interested as Yield Rates Hit 40%
In a bold leap forward for its foundry division, Samsung has reportedly made significant progress on its 2nm manufacturing process, achieving a promising 40% yield rate—a major improvement over its previous nodes. With tech giants like Apple, AMD, and NVIDIA lining up for access, Samsung is no longer just chasing TSMC—it’s beginning to seriously compete.
Samsung 2nm Wafer Yields: Samsung’s 2nm Breakthrough Puts TSMC on Notice
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From Struggles to Strides: A Quick Look Back
Samsung’s recent semiconductor history has been anything but smooth. Its 3nm gate-all-around (GAA) technology was met with criticism over disappointing yield rates (as low as 20%), causing multiple clients to reportedly shift their orders to TSMC. At one point, rumors even swirled about Samsung potentially spinning off its foundry business.
But that narrative is changing fast.
Under new leadership and a renewed sense of urgency, Samsung Foundry is making major strides in yield improvement—a critical metric that determines the efficiency and economic viability of mass production. With 2nm yield rates now sitting at 40%, Samsung has silenced many skeptics and reinvigorated client confidence.
Why This Matters: The High-Stakes Race to 2nm
The 2nm node represents the next frontier in semiconductor technology, promising better performance, lower power consumption, and higher transistor density. Currently, TSMC leads the industry, with its N2 process expected to hit volume production by late 2025 and yield rates hovering around 80%. But Samsung’s improved numbers suggest it’s closing the gap—and fast.
For customers, the timing couldn’t be better.
As TSMC’s production lines are reaching capacity, alternative foundry options are becoming more attractive. Samsung’s ability to offer competitive pricing, advanced tech, and available capacity is positioning it as a viable second source—or even a primary one—for companies like Apple, AMD, and NVIDIA
Who’s Lining Up? Big Names, Big Implications
According to industry reports, Apple, AMD, and NVIDIA are exploring partnerships with Samsung for its 2nm process. This shift could signal a new era of dual-sourcing strategies, allowing these companies to diversify supply chains while pushing the performance envelope.
- Apple: With TSMC already heavily booked, Samsung could serve as a supplemental supplier for future iPhones or Mac chips.
- AMD & NVIDIA: As competition in AI and GPU markets heats up, both companies may turn to Samsung for faster time-to-market and pricing leverage.
If any of these companies commit to Samsung’s 2nm, it could massively increase Samsung’s foundry market share and reshape the global chip supply landscape.
What’s Next for Samsung?
While a 40% yield rate is encouraging, Samsung still has a way to go before it can match TSMC’s 2nm readiness. The Korean tech giant must push yield improvements throughout the second half of 2025 to stay competitive. But the signs are promising.
Samsung Chairperson Jay Y. Lee reaffirmed the company’s commitment to growth, dismissing rumors of foundry divestment and emphasizing that Samsung is “hungry to grow the business.” With political and market pressures intensifying, especially as the U.S. seeks to bring more chip production onshore, Samsung’s global manufacturing presence could be a strategic advantage.
The Bottom Line
Samsung is proving it’s not out of the semiconductor race—far from it. With 2nm yield rates now within mass production territory, and industry leaders expressing interest, the Korean giant is emerging as a real challenger to TSMC’s long-standing dominance.
For Apple, AMD, and NVIDIA, Samsung’s 2nm process may offer a timely and cost-effective alternative amid supply chain constraints and rising chip demand.
FAQs
What is Samsung’s current 2nm yield rate?
Around 40%, according to recent reports—up from ~20% in earlier processes.
How does that compare to TSMC?
TSMC is reportedly achieving ~80% yields and plans volume production of its N2 process by end of 2025.
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