Qualcomm to use Samsung's foundry for 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chips in Galaxy S26 series

In a groundbreaking development, Samsung and Qualcomm are intensifying their long-term partnership by unveiling a new version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor. This upcoming chip is set to be manufactured using Samsung's state-of-the-art 2nm fabrication process, marking a significant upgrade from previous models. Unlike the earlier 'for Galaxy' chips, which primarily offered minor performance tweaks, this new variant, codenamed 'Kaanapali' after a picturesque Hawaiian resort, will feature two distinct editions. The standard model will be produced by TSMC utilizing its 3nm technology, while the premium 'Kaanapali S' version is specifically tailored for Samsung and will be crafted in-house at Samsung’s facilities with the innovative 2nm process. The shift to this advanced architecture is expected to enhance power efficiency, thermal management, and overall performance for Samsung's flagship smartphones. The Galaxy S26 series, anticipated to launch in 2026, is poised to be the first to integrate this revolutionary chip. Currently, the Galaxy S25 series utilizes a modified Snapdragon 8 Elite chip crafted on a 3nm process, featuring slightly elevated clock speeds of around 4.47GHz versus the standard 4.32GHz. This transition to a 2nm design is set to deliver a more significant performance boost than previous 'for Galaxy' editions have provided. If this collaboration proves successful, it could give Samsung a competitive advantage in the high-end smartphone sector, leveraging Qualcomm's chip design prowess alongside Samsung’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. In addition to smartphone innovations, the two tech giants are collaborating on an initiative dubbed 'Trailblazer', which is expected to explore non-mobile semiconductor applications. As production costs at TSMC continue to rise, Samsung’s foundry is becoming an increasingly attractive option for customers, potentially enhancing the company’s standing in the semiconductor industry.