The world’s leading semiconductor companies are racing to make “2 nanometer” (2 nm) processor chips that will power the next generation of smartphones, data centers and artificial intelligence. TSMC remains analysts’ favorite to maintain its global dominance in the industry, but Samsung Electronics and Intel have identified the industry’s next leap forward as a chance to close the gap.
Who will be the winner of the 2 nm processor race?
For those who don’t know, let’s first explain what the phrase “nm” in processors means. This expression means the distance between transistors. The more transistors in a processor, the more performance and efficiency that processor operates. Therefore, if the distance between transistors becomes shorter, more transistors fit inside the processor and it becomes more powerful. For this reason, lower nm value is superior.
According to reports, TSMC, which dominates the global market in processors, has already shown process test results for 2nm prototypes to some of its biggest customers, including Apple and Nvidia. However, some leaks say that Samsung is offering discounted versions of its latest 2-nanometer prototypes in a bid to attract the attention of major customers, including Nvidia.
Former market leader Intel has also made bold claims that it will produce its next generation chips by the end of next year. This could put it ahead of Asian rivals, although doubts remain about the performance of the US company’s products.
TSMC, which says that mass production of 2 nm processors will start in 2025, usually launches its mobile version first and becomes Apple’s main customer. PC versions and high-performance processors designed for higher power loads seem to come later.
Apple’s latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, were the first mass-market consumer devices to use TSMC’s new 3-nanometer chip technology when they were released in September this year. 2 nm processors are not expected to be used in the iPhone 16 series, which will be released next year.
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