TSMC could commence mass production of cutting-edge 2nm products next year. While Samsung is facing issues with its 3nm process tech, its Taiwanese rival is set to widen the gap further.

Taiwan’s LibertyTimes reports that TSMC has decided to operate mass production of 2nm products after the test production yield of its 2nm process exceeded 60%.

Currently, the most advanced mass-production technology worldwide is 3nm. With the 2nm process yield surpassing 60%, TSMC plans to transfer it to the newly constructed Kaohsiung plant.

TSMC plans to build 10 new factories in Taiwan and overseas simultaneously next year. Details of these capital investments will be disclosed during the Q4 earnings briefing.

Samsung vs TSMC – Foundry Market

TSMC’s capital expenditure is expected to reach up to $38 billion in 2025. If this happens, the expenditure will surpass the previous record of $36.29 billion.

The company has widened its lead over second-place Samsung in the global foundry market during the third quarter, meanwhile, Samsung saw its market share fall from 11.5% to 9.3.

The gap between Samsung Foundry and TSMC expanded from 50.8% in Q2 to 55.6% in Q3.

TrendForce explained, “TSMC saw increased capacity utilization and wafer shipments driven by flagship smartphone products and AI semiconductors, whereas Samsung Electronics faced intensified competition with Chinese firms in mature process technologies, leading to price cuts and a subsequent decline in revenue and market share compared to the previous quarter.”

Nanometer

The term “nanometer” (nm) refers to the width of semiconductor circuits. The narrower the width, the lower the power consumption and the faster the processing speed.

TSMC’s 2nm factories are being built at the Nanzih Science Park in Kaohsiung and are scheduled to begin operations in the first and third quarters of next year, respectively.

If you’re a Samsung Galaxy S24 owner in the US, eager to test the latest software version, this is the right time for you. The One UI 7.0 beta program is now open, and here’s how you can get it:

Step 1: Ensure Your Device is Compatible

• First off, you need to have a Galaxy S24, S24+, or S24 Ultra. This beta is initially rolling out for these models.

Step 2: Update Your Samsung Members App

• The Samsung Members app is the gateway to the beta program. Make sure it’s installed on your device. If you haven’t got it, grab it from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. Check for any updates to ensure you have the latest version.

Step 3: Sign Up for the Beta Program

• Open the Samsung Members app.
• Look for a banner or notification about the One UI 7 Beta Program. It will say “One UI Beta Program”.
• Tap on the banner or go to the ‘Notices’ section where you will find the option to register for the beta program.
• Click on ‘Register’ or ‘Enroll’ to sign up. You might need to agree to some terms and conditions before you can proceed.

Step 4: Check for the Software Update

• Once you are registered, head over to your device’s ‘Settings’.
• Go to ‘Software update’.
• Select ‘Download and install’. If everything’s gone smoothly, you should see the One UI 7.0 Beta update ready to download.

Step 5: Install the Beta Update

• Follow the on-screen instructions to download and then install the update. Remember, beta software might have some bugs, so it’s wise to back up your data before you start.

What to Expect

The One UI 7.0 brings a host of new features and improvements. You will see enhancements in the user interface, new customization options, better privacy controls, and some performance optimizations. Read more here.

Caution

Remember, this is a beta version. There might be some instability or bugs. I suggest you do not use your primary device for the beta unless you are familiar with potential issues during the beta testing.

The One UI 7.0 beta program gives you a chance to experience Samsung’s latest software before everyone else. Stay tuned to SammyFans.com for more insights and tips on making the most out of your Samsung experience.

Important Information

Samsung One UI 7 beta is only available for unlocked Galaxy devices on all carriers in the US. T-Mobile is the only carrier that allows beta testing on carrier-locked Galaxy S24 devices in the US.

Google silently extended Android updates support for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series. Affordable “a” models are also eligible for extended software policy alongside the first-generation Pixel Fold foldable smartphone.

Initially, Google promised three years of Android upgrades for the Pixel 6 and 7 series. Now, the revised policy promises at least five years of Android OS upgrades for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series as well as Pixel 6a, 7a, and Fold.

This year, Samsung announced the Galaxy S24 series with up to 7 years of software updates. The company replicated Google’s October 2023 decision to provide seven years of software support to the Pixel 8 and newer lineups.

With the revised policy, Google’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series are now superior to the Galaxy S21 and S22 series. Both Samsung Galaxy lineups are eligible for four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.

Following the Android 15 rollout, the Galaxy S21 series will be rendered ineligible for new OS upgrades. However, the Galaxy S22 series will also receive the Android 16-based One UI 8 upgrade in 2026.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 will receive up to Android 17 and Android 18, respectively. It’s an entire two years of additional software support for Google flagships. It isn’t the peak support, but good for Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 smartphone users.

Longer Android updates are useless if…

Honestly speaking, such longer Android updates support is useless if brands can’t provide durable hardware. Our Pixel 7 Pro review unit developed a pink vertical line, which turned into a huge dead pixel spot, rendering the screen useless.

A similar issue occurred on the Galaxy Z Fold 4 too. The phone’s motherboard defected itself even without any kind of external reason. Therefore, smartphone makers should work on durability rather than promising years-long software updates.