Qualcomm Considers Samsung and UMC for 3nm Production Due to TSMC Shortage
Qualcomm is evaluating limited shifts of its high-performance 3nm chip production from TSMC to alternative foundries such as Samsung and UMC in response to sustained capacity shortages driven by surging AI and HPC demand. The move follows similar diversification steps by Apple and MediaTek to mitigate wafer supply constraints.
1. TSMC Capacity Constraints Impact Qualcomm
TSMC’s ramp of 3nm capacity has been stretched by record orders for AI and high-performance computing chips, creating a bottleneck for its core clients. Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon processors, typically manufactured on TSMC’s cutting-edge nodes, are facing allocation delays as demand outpaces wafer supply.
2. Diversification Strategy and Alternatives
To maintain delivery schedules, Qualcomm is engaging Samsung Foundry and UMC for limited runs of its high-performance mobile SoCs. The company plans to divert specific chip series to these secondary sources while keeping its broad roadmap tied to TSMC’s advanced processes.