Qualcomm, the San Diego-based tech giant, is making a significant shift in its manufacturing strategy to solidify its leadership in the mobile chipset market. The company’s previous flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, was manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm process. However, recent information suggests that Qualcomm is targeting TSMC’s latest and most advanced 2nm technology for its next big step.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Gen 7 to Feature TSMC’s 2nm ‘N2P’ Technology!

Rumors suggest that Qualcomm plans to use TSMC’s more advanced ‘N2P’ version instead of the standard 2nm ‘N2’ node for the anticipated Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and even the subsequent Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 7 chipsets. For those unfamiliar:

This choice signals Qualcomm’s intention to maximize performance by increasing core frequencies in its new flagships while maintaining efficiency. While mass production of TSMC’s standard N2 node is expected to begin this year, Qualcomm’s focus on a more advanced process like “N2P” for two consecutive generations demonstrates the company’s commitment to technology.

Another key point being discussed is that this technological transition won’t be cheap. It was previously reported that both Qualcomm and MediaTek paid up to 24% more for their 3nm chips (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Dimensity 9500). TSMC is expected to increase prices by up to 50% for its 2nm process. This significant cost increase may be the primary reason why Qualcomm is considering using the same lithography (N2P) across two generations of chipsets.

Meanwhile, it’s questionable whether Qualcomm will return to a dual-source strategy to offset high production costs and increase its bargaining power. Competitor Samsung’s 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) process is showing promise, and it aims to be the first SoC to enter mass production this year, with its own Exynos 2600 chip for the Galaxy S26 series.

• The rumors don’t mention a partnership with Samsung due to Qualcomm’s focus on N2P.
• However, a deal could provide Qualcomm with significant bargaining power to secure better prices from TSMC.

Qualcomm is targeting maximum performance and efficiency with TSMC’s 2nm N2P process in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Gen 7, but rising costs could pressure the company to return to a dual-source strategy with Samsung.