Samsung and Qualcomm stall 2nm chip deal over pricing disputes

Negotiations between Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm regarding the manufacturing of 2nm processors have stalled due to disagreements over production pricing. While technical hurdles that previously hindered agreements have reportedly diminished, the two companies have failed to reach a commercial consensus.

Qualcomm is seeking lower manufacturing costs, whereas Samsung has maintained a firm stance on its pricing. Samsung is reportedly unwilling to grant discounts, partly because the projected production volumes may not be high enough to offset lower margins. This delay makes it unlikely that production will begin before the end of 2026, potentially pushing negotiations toward the next generation of processors.

For Qualcomm, securing Samsung as a manufacturer would provide a critical alternative to its current reliance on TSMC, offering greater negotiating power and supply chain diversification. Meanwhile, Samsung continues to strengthen its foundry business through other partnerships, such as a significant agreement with Broadcom for AI chips.