Qualcomm Weighs Samsung as Backup Maker for 2nm Chips

Qualcomm is reportedly still in talks with Samsung to join TSMC in producing its upcoming flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series, according to a Korean report published 14 September 2026. The discussions would create a potential dual-source manufacturing arrangement rather than single-sourced production from TSMC.

Scope of negotiations between Qualcomm and Samsung

The report says Qualcomm and Samsung are discussing specifications, pricing, and process optimization for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. It is unclear what share of total production Samsung would receive if the talks proceed, and the discussions appear aimed at providing an alternative supply option rather than designating Samsung as the primary foundry.

Foundry yields and 2nm capacity figures

• Samsung 2nm production yield: about 55%
• TSMC 2nm production yield: about 60 to 70%
• Qualcomm minimum yield requirement for large-scale contract manufacturing: around 70%
• TSMC 2nm capacity target: 60,000 wafers per month by fourth quarter 2026
• Apple has reportedly secured more than half of TSMC's targeted 2nm capacity

Why Qualcomm may seek a second supplier

Prior reports had suggested TSMC would be the sole foundry for the new Snapdragon chips, but the Korean report frames Samsung as a potential backup to help address capacity constraints. With TSMC's 2nm capacity already largely committed and Qualcomm's yield threshold for mass production set relatively high, the company may be pursuing a dual-source strategy to mitigate supply risk if TSMC cannot meet Qualcomm's volume needs.