Samsung is currently addressing challenges within its chip factories while preparing for the next generation of chip manufacturing processes. Recent reports suggest that the company may soon surpass Apple in the race to launch devices featuring 2nm chips commercially. The 2nm technology represents a significant advancement for chip manufacturers, promising enhanced energy efficiency and improved performance for next-generation flagship System-on-Chips (SoCs).

Major foundries like Samsung and TSMC, which supply chips to Qualcomm and Apple, are diligently working to ensure their 2nm processes are ready for market release. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is predicted to introduce its first devices equipped with 2nm chips in the iPhone 18 series, scheduled for announcement in the second half of 2026. In contrast, Samsung is intensifying its efforts to ensure its 2nm process is operational in time to power most models of the Galaxy S26 with the Exynos 2600 chip.

Reports indicate that Samsung is making significant advancements with its 2nm process and has shown better performance in its ongoing 3nm process development. The company has also formed a dedicated team within Samsung Foundry to optimize both the new 2nm manufacturing process and the Exynos 2600 chip. Historically, Samsung reveals its new Galaxy S flagship phones in the first quarter of each year.

If the Exynos 2600 development remains on track, the Galaxy S26 may reach the market several months ahead of the iPhone 18 series. This would mark a major achievement for Samsung, especially considering the previous challenges faced by Samsung Foundry. Additionally, Samsung could potentially outpace Qualcomm in the 2nm race, with some sources suggesting that Qualcomm’s first 2nm Snapdragon SoC may not debut until 2026, with a potential release of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 slated for late that year.