According to South Korean media outlet SEDaily, industry sources revealed on April 11 that Samsung Foundry is manufacturing Qualcomm’s second-generation XR application processor, the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, using its advanced 4nm process technology.

As the report highlights, while Samsung has previously announced its collaboration with Qualcomm and Google on XR headset development, this marks the first instance of Samsung Foundry producing a Qualcomm-designed XR chip. This chip will serve as the “brain” of Project Moohan, the XR device currently under development by Samsung’s Mobile eXperience (MX) division, the report adds.

The report notes that Samsung’s MX division aims to launch the headset later this year. The company reportedly set a target to produce approximately 50,000 units in the second half of 2025 and has already unveiled prototypes at key events, including the Galaxy S25 Unpacked and MWC 2025.

When asked about mass production of Qualcomm’s XR chip, Samsung Semiconductor’s DS division said it could not confirm customer-specific orders, the report notes.

Despite continued losses, Samsung’s collaboration with Qualcomm on XR chip development is expected to create new business opportunities. According to the report, if mass production of XR headsets proceeds as planned, it could pave the way for next-generation smart glasses from the MX division, the development of Samsung’s own XR application processors, and ongoing cooperation with Qualcomm—potentially fueling new growth for Samsung Foundry.

Furthermore, the report notes growing confidence in the potential for additional XR chip orders. Samsung’s semiconductor facility in Pyeongtaek, which houses its 4nm production line, has reportedly seen a gradual increase in utilization, with sources suggesting yield rates have surpassed 70%, as the report indicates.

In another positive move, Samsung has reportedly started developing its 1-nanometer (1nm) process, according to a report from Wccftech citing SEDaily. Sources state that the company has formed a dedicated team for the effort, with mass production targeted for 2029.

Samsung’s 1nm process—dubbed the “dream semiconductor process”—goes beyond its current foundry roadmap, where the most advanced node is the 1.4nm process scheduled for mass production in 2027, according to SEDaily.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s 2nm process has reportedly reached an initial yield of over 30%, according to Korean media outlet The Bell, citing sources. The company aims to stabilize the process in the second half of 2025 in preparation for the mass production of the Exynos 2600, the report notes.

(Photo credit: Samsung)

TrendForce 2024 Near-Eye Display Market Trend and Technology Analysis
Release Date:2024 / 07 / 31
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