I’m thrilled to sit down with Dominic Jainy, a seasoned IT professional whose expertise in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain gives him a unique perspective on the semiconductor industry. Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of chip production, focusing on the groundbreaking shift to 2nm technology by TSMC, and the roles major players like Apple and Qualcomm are playing in this space. Our conversation explores the implications of this advancement for future devices, the strategic moves by American companies, and the evolving landscape of global chip manufacturing.
How significant is TSMC’s transition to 2nm chip production, and what can we expect from this leap forward?
The move to 2nm by TSMC is a game-changer for the semiconductor industry. It represents a major step in shrinking transistor size, which directly translates to chips that are more powerful and energy-efficient. Compared to the current 3nm process, 2nm offers a notable boost in performance while consuming less power, which is critical for devices like smartphones and laptops that demand high efficiency. TSMC is set to kick off mass production in the fourth quarter, and this timeline suggests we’ll see these chips in flagship products sooner rather than later. It’s an exciting development that’s already generating massive interest from tech giants.
What makes the 2nm process stand out in terms of benefits for mobile devices compared to the existing 3nm technology?
The 2nm process stands out because it pushes the boundaries of Moore’s Law even further. By packing more transistors into a smaller area, these chips deliver better performance for tasks like gaming, AI processing, and multitasking, all while extending battery life. For mobile devices, this means thinner, lighter designs with more powerful capabilities. Compared to 3nm, we’re looking at a significant reduction in power draw—potentially up to 30% less for the same workload—which is huge for users who rely on their devices all day.
Can you shed some light on Apple’s involvement with TSMC’s 2nm production and why they’re so invested in this technology?
Apple has positioned itself as a frontrunner in adopting TSMC’s 2nm chips, reportedly securing about 50% of the initial production capacity. This isn’t surprising given their focus on cutting-edge performance for their products. We’re likely to see these chips in the iPhone 18 lineup with the A20 Pro chipset, probably in 2026. Apple’s heavy investment is driven by their need to maintain a competitive edge—better chips mean faster devices, improved AI features, and longer battery life, which are all key selling points for their premium market.
How does Qualcomm fit into the picture with TSMC’s 2nm chips, and what impact might this have on their partnerships?
Qualcomm is another major player, securing a significant share of TSMC’s 2nm output for their Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chips, which are expected to power the Samsung Galaxy S26 line around 2026. They did explore Samsung’s 2nm process as a potentially cheaper alternative, but ultimately stuck with TSMC due to concerns over capacity and yield reliability at Samsung. While Apple seems to have the lion’s share of early production, Qualcomm’s involvement ensures they remain competitive in the high-end Android market, and their collaboration with TSMC solidifies a strong partnership for future innovations.
I’ve heard TSMC’s revenue is increasingly tied to American companies. Can you explain how this shift to 2nm chips plays into that?
Absolutely. With the rollout of 2nm chips, TSMC is projecting that 80% of its revenue will come from American companies, up from 75% currently. This reflects the heavy demand from tech giants like Apple and Qualcomm, who are leading the charge in adopting this technology. Beyond them, other U.S.-based firms like AMD, Intel, and Broadcom are also in line for 2026, with more joining in 2027. This trend shows how reliant the global chip supply chain has become on American innovation and investment, and it’s a big reason why TSMC is expanding its presence in the U.S.
Speaking of expansion, what’s the latest on TSMC’s Arizona facilities, and how do they factor into meeting U.S. demand?
TSMC’s Arizona foundry is a critical piece of their strategy to localize production for American clients. The facility will focus exclusively on 2nm chips, serving companies like Apple and others in the coming years. However, even with this expansion, it’s unlikely to fully meet the massive demand from U.S. firms. The Arizona plant is just a fraction of TSMC’s overall capacity, and there are still logistical and scaling challenges. It’s a step in the right direction, especially with government incentives pushing for more domestic production, but it’s not a complete solution yet.
What’s your forecast for the future of 2nm technology and its broader impact on the tech industry?
I’m incredibly optimistic about 2nm technology. In the short term, it will redefine flagship devices, making them faster and more efficient while enabling new features powered by AI and machine learning. Over the next five to ten years, as production scales and costs come down, we’ll see this tech trickle down to mid-range devices, democratizing high performance. Beyond mobile, 2nm will revolutionize sectors like automotive and IoT, where power efficiency is crucial. However, the industry will face challenges like supply chain constraints and geopolitical tensions, so the race to smaller nodes like 1.4nm will be just as critical. It’s an exciting time, and I think we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible.