By mass producing its 3nm Exynos application processors in the second half of 2024, Samsung Electronics will be putting pressure on TSMC and Qualcomm and upending Apple's smartphone supremacy. Slow 3nm rollout at Samsung That's the word from DigiTimes, which this week released a story on Samsung's Exynos 3nm processor. Industry reports state that Samsung plans to formally introduce its "Solomon," or 3nm, APs in 2025. Early in 2024, the System LSI Division finished the tape-out; the project is now being manufactured as a prototype by the Semiconductor Foundry Division.
Expected to exceed the previous Exynos 2400 seen on the Galaxy S24 series, the 3nm Exynos APs use the Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology. Analysts project that starting in late 2024, Samsung will include these new APs into the Galaxy S25 devices, increasing their competitiveness in the semiconductor industry. All all, this is when Samsung is expected to switch to 3nm chips: 2024 Mass Production: In the later part of 2024, Samsung plans to begin mass producing the 3nm Exynos processors. Galaxy S25 integration: These 3nm CPUs are expected to be included into the Galaxy S25 handsets, which are set to debut in late 2024. Official Unveiling in 2025: The 3nm APs, dubbed "Solomon," may be officially unveiled in 2025, maybe in conjunction with larger announcements or other items utilising the new technology. Light speed lead by Apple Comparatively, in September 2023, Apple released its first smartphone with its 3nm proprietary silicon inside.
The A17 Pro chip is found in the iPhone 15 Pro range. By the time Samsung gets its first 3nm chip out the door this autumn, Apple will have shipped its second 3nm processor, the A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple's excellent connection with TSMC, early investments and cooperation, supply chain management, and financial resources are among the many reasons for its year-long lead start on manufacturing 3nm processors. Apple has shipped the A17 Pro, M3, and M4 3nm process chips thus far. Not unexpectedly, Apple is already making plans for its first 2nm CPUs. There was rumours of a "secret meeting" between Apple and TSMC earlier this week, and 2nm chip manufacturing was probably covered. By September 2025, Apple is predicted to have advanced to the 2nm process with the iPhone 17 Pro.
Recap: while Samsung is getting ready to release its first 3nm processor, Apple will release its second-generation 3nm iPhone chip. In a year, Apple will probably release its first 2nm chip as Samsung keeps upping the ante.