Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 to Samsung: Qualcomm may change the way it makes its next big smartphone chip. The company is reportedly in talks with Samsung about using its 2nm chipmaking technology for the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series. This could mean Qualcomm may use both Samsung and TSMC instead of depending on only one company.
Qualcomm has worked mainly with TSMC for its top-end Snapdragon chips in recent years. Samsung is now trying to win some of that business back. Reports say the two companies are discussing the process, prices and other production details.
Why Qualcomm is looking at Samsung again
One big reason is the growing pressure on advanced chipmaking capacity. TSMC is still seen as the stronger option for 2nm production, but Samsung’s results have been getting better.
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According to a recent report from ChosunBiz, Samsung’s 2nm production yield has moved from around 20% in the second half of 2025 to about 50% to 60% in 2026. Better yields mean more working chips can be made from each batch of wafers.
Qualcomm is now considering a setup where both foundries could get orders. The most powerful version, which has been reported as a Pro or Extreme model, could remain with TSMC. A more standard version may be made by Samsung.
This would give Qualcomm another source for its chips at a time when leading-edge manufacturing is becoming more expensive and harder to book.
Samsung could get part of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 order
The possible Samsung deal is also important because Qualcomm already has a strong business relationship with the South Korean company. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon met Samsung executives in South Korea earlier this year to discuss foundry cooperation.
Still, price could become a major issue. Qualcomm wants competitive pricing, while Samsung has been gaining more customers for its advanced manufacturing business. Samsung’s foundry utilization has also improved as demand for 2nm and other advanced chips has grown.
There’s also no final public confirmation yet that Samsung will actually produce the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Some earlier reports suggested both upcoming Elite models could be made only by TSMC, so the manufacturing plan still appears unsettled.
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Snapdragon Summit is coming soon
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit will take place in Maui, Hawaii, from September 22 to September 24, 2026. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and another higher-end version are expected to be revealed during the event.
Qualcomm has already started teasing the new chips, including upgrades focused on AI, graphics and performance. The company hasn’t publicly confirmed its manufacturing partners for the new flagship processors.
