The pursuit of smaller and more efficient chips is a relentless endeavor in the technology sector. Recent updates from Samsung Foundry reveal a modification in their timeline: the company now plans to start mass production of its advanced 1.4nm process technology in 2029, which is two years later than originally projected. This delay appears to align with Samsung’s strategic objective to fully leverage their upcoming 2nm process technology. Earlier in March, there were indications that Samsung had either paused or cancelled its development of the 1.4nm chips to concentrate on ensuring a successful rollout of the 2nm technology.

This decision is understandable, especially given the challenges faced with lower-than-expected yield rates in their earlier 3nm production. Samsung is keen to avoid repeating these issues and is focusing on optimizing its existing technologies. The shift in the 1.4nm production timeline reflects Samsung’s emphasis on improving the yield rates of its 2nm wafers, which have shown steady improvement, currently achieving around 40%. In comparison, industry rival TSMC is outperforming Samsung with a 2nm yield rate exceeding 60%, highlighting the importance of yield rates in chip manufacturing, as they directly influence the cost and availability of products.

Furthermore, TSMC has already announced plans for its own 1.4nm process, targeting mass production in 2028. This positions TSMC as a potential leader in the race for advanced chip technologies, providing them with a significant advantage over Samsung’s delayed plans. Samsung’s decision to extend the timeline for its 1.4nm production is driven by the need to recover and maximize the utilization rate of its current technologies. This pragmatic approach prioritizes stability and efficiency in their existing production processes while setting the stage for future innovations.

As both Samsung and TSMC continue to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology, the coming years promise to be exciting for the industry.