The 2nm Battle of the Three Chip Giants: The Android Camp Bets on TSMC's N2P Process to Overtake Apple

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Qualcomm and MediaTek are preparing to adopt TSMC’s more advanced 2nm N2P process node in their next-generation chip designs, in an attempt to surpass Apple in process technology.

According to the latest media reports, Apple plans to launch A20 and A20 Pro chips on TSMC's first-generation 2nm N2 process, while Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 will get a step ahead and directly leap to the improved N2P node.

Analysts point out that TSMC’s 2nm process will become a scarce resource, and by the end of 2025, monthly production capacity is expected to be only 15,000 to 20,000 wafers. It is reported that Apple has already booked more than half of the initial 2nm capacity, which may prompt its competitors to turn to the N2P process for sufficient supply.

Intensified Process Competition; Apple's Technical Advantage Apparent

There have already been two reports that Qualcomm will use the 2nm N2P process in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. The latest reports indicate that this chip will support LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage standards.

MediaTek’s entry makes the competition for this process node even more intense. According to reports, MediaTek will launch the Dimensity 9600 chip on the N2P node. Previously, the company announced that it had successfully completed tape-out of its first 2nm chip, aiming for a launch by the end of 2026.

TSMC’s 2nm process is divided into two versions: N2 and N2P, the latter being the improved version expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026. While some sources previously denied related rumors, saying Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek would all adopt the N2 node, multiple reports show Android chipmakers are choosing the N2P version.

Apple’s experience in developing its own CPU and GPU cores gives it a significant advantage. The efficiency cores of the A19 Pro this year achieved up to a 29% performance improvement without increasing power consumption.

In contrast, Qualcomm only entered the self-developed core field after acquiring Nuvia, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is only its second smartphone chip using completely self-developed cores. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 relies on ARM’s CPU and GPU designs, which helps reduce costs but has disadvantages in performance and efficiency.

Capacity Shortage Drives Strategy Adjustments

It is reported that Apple has locked in more than half of the initial 2nm capacity supply, a strategy aimed at maintaining its lead in the competition.

Facing capacity limitations, turning to the N2P process may be a feasible choice for Qualcomm and MediaTek to secure sufficient wafer supply.

Analysts predict that TSMC’s 2nm process will be a scarce resource next year, and manufacturers are expected to mass-produce 15,000 to 20,000 wafers per month by the end of 2025. In this tight supply environment, choosing the N2P process could provide Android chipmakers with more stable capacity assurance.

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