Samsung is racing to bring its 2nm chipmaking tech to primetime. According to a Korean report, the company’s System LSI and Foundry divisions are now in full prototype production of the Exynos 2600, the next-generation mobile processor expected to power the Galaxy S26 early next year. More importantly, its notoriously tricky 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process is finally starting to yield results, quite literally.
Earlier this year, Samsung’s 2nm yields hovered around a worrying 30%. But after months of aggressive R&D, the company is now targeting yields above 50% without compromising performance.
That’s a critical step, though still short of the 70% threshold typically required for cost-effective mass production. The clock is ticking: Samsung needs to lock in stable yields fast if it wants to avoid the production delays that dogged the Exynos 2500.
Risk production of the Exynos 2600 is slated to begin by year’s end, following the current full prototype production phase that is helping Samsung refine both performance and yield. This stage serves as a critical proving ground before mass production ramps up just two or three months ahead of the Galaxy S26’s February launch. The stakes are high.
For Samsung’s System LSI unit, the Exynos 2600 represents a shot at revitalizing the Exynos brand after years of reliance on Qualcomm chips. For Samsung Foundry, it is the first real-world showcase of its 2nm GAA technology, with global clients watching closely.
Rumors suggest Samsung is also courting Qualcomm to fab Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chips for Galaxy phones using its 2nm process, though nothing is confirmed. Meanwhile, TSMC already started taking 2nm wafer orders in April, adding urgency to Samsung’s efforts.
If Samsung can nail this transition, it could finally shake its reputation for lagging behind TSMC at the bleeding edge of chip manufacturing. For now, all eyes are on how Exynos 2600 performs on the path to mass production.
In related news, Samsung’s System LSI unit is facing a major shake-up after years of losses. The company is considering whether to merge it with Foundry, fold it into the MX division, or pursue an independent overhaul. Merging with Foundry seems the most likely path, though it could unsettle key clients. The review was prompted by the Exynos 2500’s failure to secure a Galaxy S25 slot, which impacted both LSI and Foundry revenues. The final decision is expected soon.
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