Key Points:
- Apple and Samsung are both preparing for the shift to 2nm processors, with Apple expected to debut this tech in the iPhone 18 Pro.
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, likely powering Samsung’s Galaxy S26, will also use the 2nm process, making it one of the first Android devices with this technology.
- Samsung has internally codenamed the Galaxy S25 series “Paradigm,” signaling a major leap in design and performance for its 2025 launch.
Samsung is gearing up to launch its Galaxy S25 series in early 2025, with development already underway. Meanwhile, Apple’s 2026 iPhone is expected to feature a new 2nm processor, setting the stage for direct competition with Samsung’s Galaxy S26, which will likely feature a similar 2nm chip.
Apple’s Chip Strategy for iPhone 2026
Apple’s renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared insights into Apple’s future chipset plans. The iPhone 17, set for release in 2025, will use a 3nm TSMC N3P process for its chip, while the Pro models in 2026 are anticipated to debut an advanced 2nm chip. This upgrade is expected to deliver greater efficiency and higher performance, potentially putting Apple on par with its Android competitors.
Snapdragon and Samsung’s Response
On the Android side, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is expected to be built on the 2nm process, with TSMC remaining the primary producer despite Samsung Foundry’s interest. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will likely power Samsung’s 2026 Galaxy S26 flagships. This means Android phones will adopt 2nm technology before Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro, expected in late 2026.
Qualcomm has already made strides with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, produced on a second-gen 4nm process. Although this year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will mark Android’s transition to 3nm chips, the next big leap will be with the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
Galaxy S25: Codename “Paradigm” and What It Means
As Samsung prepares for its next major flagship, more details have surfaced regarding the Galaxy S25. Internally, Samsung refers to the device as “Paradigm,” which follows the tradition of using distinctive codenames for each new series. This name suggests that the Galaxy S25, which will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 with Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU, will likely bring significant changes in performance and technology, offering Android users a chance to close the gap with Apple’s chip advancements.
Both companies are focusing heavily on the shift to 2nm processors, marking a key milestone in the race for superior smartphone performance. With these developments, 2025 and 2026 are shaping up to be pivotal years for flagship devices.
The processors for 2025 iPhone 17 models will be made by TSMC’s N3P process/3-nanometer technology. The processor for 2026 iPhone 18 models is anticipated to use TSMC’s 2-nanometer technology. However, due to cost concerns, not all new iPhone 18 models may be equipped with a…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) September 19, 2024
