Qualcomm and MediaTek are preparing to adopt TSMC's more advanced 2nm N2P process node in their next-generation chip designs, aiming to surpass Apple in semiconductor technology.
Recent reports indicate that Apple plans to launch its A20 and A20 Pro chips using TSMC's first-generation 2nm N2 process, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 will leapfrog directly to the improved N2P node.
Analysts note that TSMC's 2nm process will become a scarce resource, with projected monthly capacity of only 15,000 to 20,000 wafers by late 2025. Apple has reportedly secured over half of the initial 2nm capacity, potentially forcing competitors to adopt the N2P process for sufficient supply.
Process Technology Competition Intensifies as Apple Maintains Lead Qualcomm has been rumored twice to adopt the 2nm N2P process for its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Latest reports suggest this chip will support LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage standards.
MediaTek's entry intensifies competition for this process node. Reports claim the company will release its Dimensity 9600 chip on the N2P node, having recently announced successful tape-out of its first 2nm chip for planned 2026 release.
TSMC's 2nm process comes in N2 and N2P versions, with the improved N2P expected to enter mass production in second-half 2026. While some sources previously denied rumors, claiming Apple, Qualcomm and MediaTek would all use N2, multiple reports indicate Android chipmakers are opting for N2P.
Apple's experience in developing custom CPU and GPU cores provides significant advantages. The A19 Pro's efficiency cores this year achieved up to 29% performance improvement without increased power consumption.
In contrast, Qualcomm only entered custom core development through its Nuvia acquisition, with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 being just its second smartphone chip featuring fully custom cores. MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 relies on ARM's CPU and GPU designs, which help reduce costs but create performance and efficiency disadvantages.
Capacity Scarcity Drives Strategy Shift Apple has reportedly locked down over half of initial 2nm capacity, a strategy to maintain its competitive lead.
Facing capacity constraints, Qualcomm and MediaTek's shift to N2P may represent a practical choice to secure sufficient wafer supply.
Analysts predict TSMC's 2nm process will become scarce next year, with manufacturers projecting monthly output of 15,000-20,000 wafers by late 2025. In this supply-constrained environment, choosing N2P could provide Android chipmakers with more stable production capacity.
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