TLDR
- Samsung and Qualcomm have delayed a 2nm chip manufacturing deal due to pricing disagreements
- Qualcomm wants lower prices; Samsung is holding firm after landing big clients like Tesla and Broadcom
- The delay could push Qualcomm chip production into 2027
- No major technical issues exist with Samsung’s 2nm process
- Discussions may shift to Qualcomm’s next-generation processors instead
Samsung Electronics’ foundry division and Qualcomm have hit a wall in negotiations over a deal to manufacture Qualcomm’s application processors using Samsung’s 2-nanometer chip process. The holdup is not technical. It comes down to money.
JUST IN: Qualcomm and Samsung Foundry are at an impasse over price in a planned AP project on Samsung’s 2nm process, risking a delay into next year and clouding mass production timelines. $QCOM $005930? pic.twitter.com/x4BeWfx0C2
— Bpay News (@bpaynews) September 11, 2026
Qualcomm wants lower prices. Samsung is not willing to cut them. That disagreement has dragged on long enough that producing chips within 2026 is now looking unlikely, according to Korean outlet The Bell.
The timing matters because chip production has to line up with smartphone launch schedules. Missing that window could push any deal into next year.
There are no major technical problems with Samsung’s 2nm process. Qualcomm has responded positively to the technology. Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 and upcoming Exynos 2700 chips, both built on 2nm, have also received good performance reviews.
Samsung’s Changing Foundry Strategy
Samsung’s stance reflects a shift in how it runs its foundry business. The company once used low prices to attract new customers. That approach helped it build out its customer base over the years.
That strategy appears to have changed. Samsung has recently secured deals with major clients including Tesla and Broadcom, reducing its need to offer steep discounts to win work.
In July 2026, Samsung agreed to a five-year AI chip partnership with Broadcom valued at more than $200 billion through 2030. The deal covers Samsung’s 2nm and smaller processes, along with advanced packaging.
With contracts like that in place, Samsung has less reason to compete on price for smaller volume orders. The production volume currently under discussion with Qualcomm is described as relatively small, which further reduces Samsung’s incentive to make concessions.
A Samsung official confirmed the delay makes 2026 production difficult and said the company is no longer engaging in low-price bidding as it had in the past.
What Comes Next for Qualcomm
Qualcomm previously used Samsung to manufacture its advanced application processors before 2021. Samsung has been working to win back that business.
If the 2026 deal falls through, the two companies could shift talks toward Qualcomm’s next-generation processors instead.
Neither Samsung nor Qualcomm issued an official statement on the delay.
Qualcomm stock currently carries a Moderate Buy consensus rating on Wall Street, based on nine buy ratings, 15 holds, and two sells over the past three months. The average price target of $204.16 implies roughly 15.4% upside from current levels.
The outcome of these negotiations could shape how Samsung positions its foundry business against rivals like TSMC going forward.
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