Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek Set to Launch 2nm Chipsets in 2026 as N2P Rumors Fade

The semiconductor race is entering a decisive phase as Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek prepare to unveil their first 2nm chipsets in 2026 – marking a milestone that could redefine mobile performance and efficiency. According to fresh reports from industry insiders, all three companies have secured spots in TSMC’s initial production queue for its groundbreaking 2nm (N2) wafers.

However, contrary to earlier rumors, there will be no N2P variant releases next year, putting speculation about Qualcomm’s potential early adoption to rest.

MediaTek seems to be leading the pack, having reportedly completed the tape-out of its 2nm SoC and targeting a late 2026 launch. This achievement positions the Taiwanese firm as one of the first to fully embrace TSMC’s advanced GAA (Gate-All-Around) transistor design – a leap promising superior power efficiency and performance density compared to 3nm chips. Qualcomm, on the other hand, was previously rumored to skip N2 altogether and jump directly to N2P, a refined process with performance optimizations. But insiders now claim that such a move is off the table for 2026. The reason is simple: N2P mass production is expected to begin later than N2, which makes early adoption risky and expensive due to potential yield issues.

Financial logic also plays a major role. TSMC’s N2P wafers will command higher prices, making the N2 process the more sensible and cost-effective choice. Qualcomm, known for balancing innovation with scalability, will likely prioritize reliability and market timing over pushing prematurely into a node that isn’t mature yet. Thus, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 – the rumored successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 – is expected to debut on TSMC’s standard 2nm node rather than the N2P.

Apple, meanwhile, remains the company most likely to introduce a 2nm-based product first. The Cupertino giant has reportedly secured more than half of TSMC’s initial 2nm production capacity, a move reminiscent of 2023 when it locked down most of the 3nm supply for its A17 Pro chips. Industry observers see this as Apple’s strategic maneuver to deny competitors early access to the most efficient silicon. The A20 and A20 Pro, expected to power the iPhone 18 lineup, could thus become the world’s first consumer devices built on 2nm technology, emphasizing both performance leaps and power efficiency gains.

Apple’s aggressive purchasing may also have a domino effect on competitors. With limited TSMC capacity, Qualcomm might increase its collaboration with Samsung Foundry. Reports suggest a 2nm GAA sample of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 was sent to Samsung for testing. If the results meet expectations, Qualcomm could split future SoC production between Samsung and TSMC, ensuring supply security and competitive flexibility. Some analysts even speculate that Rapidus, Japan’s emerging semiconductor venture, could enter this high-stakes 2nm race, potentially offering a third production source in the future.

As 2026 approaches, the 2nm battle among Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek is shaping up to be one of the most defining moments in chipmaking history. The implications stretch far beyond smartphones – into AI computing, AR/VR devices, and connected cars – signaling the dawn of a new performance era. For now, it’s clear: the next big leap will arrive on TSMC’s N2 process, and the tech giants are already sharpening their silicon swords.