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

Qualcomm and MediaTek are preparing to adopt TSMC's more advanced 2nm N2P process node in their next-generation chip designs, attempting to surpass Apple in process technology. According to the latest media reports, Apple plans to launch the A20 and A20 Pro chips on TSMC's initial 2nm N2 process, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 will take the lead by jumping directly to the improved N2P node. Analysts point out that TSMC's 2nm process will become a scarce resource, with expected monthly production capacity of only 15,000 to 20,000 wafers by the end of 2025. Apple has reportedly reserved more than half of the initial 2nm capacity, which may prompt competitors to turn to the N2P process for sufficient supply. Intensified Process Technology Competition, Apple Holds Clear Technical Advantage Qualcomm has previously reported twice that it 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 involvement makes the competition for this process node even more intense. Reports suggest that MediaTek will launch the Dimensity 9600 chip on the N2P node. The company previously announced that it has successfully completed the tape-out of its first 2nm chip, which is planned for release by the end of 2026. TSMC's 2nm process is divided into two versions: N2 and N2P, with N2P expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026 as an improved version. Although some insiders previously denied related rumors, stating that Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek would all adopt the N2 node, multiple reports indicate that Android chip manufacturers are opting for 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 achieved up to a 29% performance improvement this year without increasing power consumption. In contrast, Qualcomm entered the self-developed core field through the acquisition of Nuvia, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is only its second smartphone chip to use fully self-developed cores. MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 relies on ARM's CPU and GPU designs, which, while helping to reduce costs, have disadvantages in performance and efficiency. Capacity Scarcity Drives Strategic Adjustments Apple has reportedly locked in more than half of the initial 2nm capacity supply, a strategy aimed at maintaining its competitive edge. Faced with capacity constraints, Qualcomm and MediaTek's shift to the N2P process may be a viable option for securing sufficient wafer supply. Analysts expect TSMC's 2nm process to become a scarce resource next year, with manufacturers anticipating a monthly production capacity of 15,000 to 20,000 wafers by the end of 2025. In this tight supply environment, choosing the N2P process may provide Android chip manufacturers with more stable capacity assurance