While Samsung’s foundry division is still struggling with its 3nm and 2nm processes, the Korean firm has not given up on developing the next-gen process node. Last month, it said that 1.4nm development is in progress, focusing on yield improvements and cost reduction. Now, a fresh report claims that Samsung has started development of its 1nm process, with the aim of starting mass production after 2029.
Samsung has reportedly begun 1nm process development
Although Samsung is the second-largest semiconductor foundry in the world, its market share gap with industry leader TSMC has recently widened, based on the Q4 2024 report. As a result, the Korean firm is desperately trying to recover its foundry business by improving the yield rates. Meanwhile, it continues R&D of next-gen processes.
According to a report from Korean outlet Sedaily, Samsung Semiconductor Research Institute recently started developing its cutting-edge 1nm process, which is called the dream semiconductor process. The company has transferred some researchers who participated in the development of the 2nm process to form a project team for the 1nm process. The report further adds that the 1nm process requires a new technology for designing chips and also requires advanced equipment like high-NA EUV. The company is planning to start mass production after 2029.
Some reports also say that Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong flagged off the development on the 1nm process early last month. Lee encouraged executives to “continue the tradition of prioritizing technology.” He said, “Let’s create the future with technology that doesn’t exist in the world.”
Other companies are also speeding up their development of future process technology. Last year, TSMC announced a new A16 process (1.6nm), which sits between 1.4nm and 2nm processes. TSMC plans to start production in the second half of 2026. On the other hand, Samsung’s 1.4nm process will reportedly enter the mass production stage in 2027.
This shows that the Korean firm wants to lead the fast-growing AI semiconductor market and prepare for future chip technology. Jin-man Han, the head and president of Samsung Electronics Foundry Division, has been meeting with Korean AI chip startups like DeepX to better understand what customers need and build stronger partnerships.
