Samsung’s 2nm GAA Breakthrough Signals Semiconductor Market Shift, SK hynix Executive Calls It ‘Critical Turning Point’

Samsung’s 2nm GAA Technology Reaches Production Milestone

Samsung Electronics has reportedly begun mass production of 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) semiconductor wafers in late September, marking a significant advancement in the competitive foundry market. According to reports from the Chosun publication, the technology is initially being deployed for Samsung’s upcoming Exynos 2600 processor, with company executives expressing strong optimism about the node’s performance and yield improvements during recent high-level government meetings.

Samsung’s 2nm GAA Technology Reaches Production Milestone
Executive Confidence in Market Position Shift
Industry Recognition of Technological Inflection Point
Yield Improvements and Performance Expectations
Strategic Implications for Semiconductor Market

Executive Confidence in Market Position Shift

During a Presidential Office meeting chaired by Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, Samsung’s President and CTO of Device Solutions Division Song Jae-hyuk reportedly made numerous positive comments about the 2nm GAA process development. Sources indicate that the executive hinted at ambitions to capture first place in the global foundry market with this advanced node, signaling a potential challenge to TSMC’s current market dominance.

The development represents a potential turnaround for Samsung’s foundry business, which analysts suggest has faced challenges in recent years while TSMC captured the majority of advanced semiconductor manufacturing contracts. The report states that Samsung has already completed basic design of its second-generation 2nm GAA process, with third-generation technology expected to finish development within two years.

Industry Recognition of Technological Inflection Point

SK hynix Corporate President Song Hyun-jong reportedly described Samsung’s 2nm GAA technology as a “critical turning point” for the semiconductor industry. This assessment from a key industry player suggests broader recognition of the technology’s potential impact across the semiconductor ecosystem, particularly as companies navigate complex supply chain dynamics and increasing demand for advanced processing capabilities.

During the same meetings, executives reportedly addressed ongoing challenges in catching up with industry leader TSMC, alongside concerns about specific technologies, human resources, and the need for substantial government support to maintain competitive positioning in the global semiconductor market.

Yield Improvements and Performance Expectations

Sources close to the matter indicate that Samsung has raised its yield target for the 2nm GAA process to 70 percent, a significant improvement from earlier 50 percent targets. An unnamed individual familiar with the development reportedly expressed confidence that the company can achieve its intended goals, suggesting that yield challenges that have historically plagued advanced node transitions may be resolving favorably.

According to the reports, initial internal test results for the Exynos 2600 built on the 2nm GAA process show promising performance, potentially outperforming competing processors from Apple and Qualcomm in various benchmarks. However, analysts suggest that actual commercial unit performance may vary, and the true test will come when devices containing these chips reach consumer hands.

Strategic Implications for Semiconductor Market

The successful deployment of Samsung’s 2nm GAA technology could potentially reshape the competitive dynamics of the global foundry market. With TSMC having maintained technological leadership in recent years, industry observers suggest that Samsung’s progress represents the most credible challenge to date. The timing coincides with increasing global demand for diversified semiconductor supply chains, potentially creating additional opportunities for Samsung to capture market share.

As one source reportedly commented, “With the full-scale mass production of 2nm chips approaching, these remarks made during the meeting with the Office of the President can be interpreted as meaning that Samsung is smoothly achieving its planned 2nm process yield and chip performance targets.” This assessment suggests that Samsung’s technological roadmap is progressing according to internal expectations, though independent verification of these claims will be essential for market validation.