Samsung is reportedly working on a groundbreaking Exynos system-on-chip (SoC) that integrates an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) directly into its 5G modem. This ambitious approach could redefine how mobile devices manage satellite connectivity and signal strength, using AI to predict satellite movements in real time and optimize communication efficiency. 
While still categorized as a rumor with limited confirmation, the implications of such a design are enormous – both for Samsung’s hardware roadmap and for the broader communications industry.
According to industry reports, Samsung’s semiconductor executives recently met with SpaceX to discuss development strategies for next-generation Exynos chipsets. The discussions reportedly centered on enhancing low-orbit satellite communication technology. Analysts speculate that Samsung is seeking a role in SpaceX’s growing satellite infrastructure, potentially contributing a new SoC designed to work seamlessly with Starlink’s massive low-Earth orbit network. The rumored NPU-equipped modem would enable smartphones to connect and maintain stable links with satellites while intelligently predicting orbital paths and beam shifts – something that today’s modems struggle to handle efficiently.
If these reports are accurate, this development would represent a major evolution for the Exynos platform. Current SoCs can process cellular and Wi-Fi connections effectively, but they face serious challenges when managing thousands of rapidly moving satellites. By embedding an AI-driven NPU inside the 5G modem, Samsung could drastically reduce latency, improve energy efficiency, and make satellite communication as reliable as standard 5G coverage. This could pave the way for real-time satellite prediction – ensuring stronger, more consistent global connectivity, even in remote or disaster-stricken regions.
Industry insiders believe that such innovation could debut in the rumored Exynos 2600, expected to launch next year. Earlier reports suggested that the 2600 would feature a standalone 5G modem, but no mention of an integrated NPU was made at that time. The latest findings hint that this AI-enhanced capability may instead appear in later iterations, marking a strategic shift in Samsung’s chip design philosophy. The 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) process, already confirmed as part of Samsung’s next-gen manufacturing node, will likely serve as the technological foundation for these advancements.
Despite the excitement, skepticism remains. Our internal rumor assessment rates this report at 35% confidence, labeling it as questionable. The source reliability (2/5), corroboration (1/5), and technical feasibility (2/5) still leave room for doubt. Yet, given Samsung’s growing interest in satellite connectivity – especially after Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature – it’s not far-fetched to believe the Korean tech giant is exploring its own AI-based alternative. If realized, the fusion of AI and satellite technology could redefine how smartphones stay connected in even the most remote corners of the planet.