TSMC may start producing 1.6nm chips in just a few months

Samsung’s Exynos 2600, which powers some Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus versions and Z Flip 8, is still the only 2nm chipset on the market. The iPhone 18 Pro’s A20 Pro and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 are also expected to use the advanced manufacturing process, but TSMC may move to an even more advanced process very soon.

TSMC may start producing 1.6nm processors before the end of the year

The world’s leading foundry may be ready to start manufacturing 1.6nm processors at the end of this year, according to reports in Taiwanese media spotted by Chosun. It appears that TSMC is done with the development and validation of its A16 angstrom-class process. 

Reaching this part of the development means that TSMC could enter the mass production phase as soon as the fourth quarter of 2026. This would be the Taiwanese foundry’s follow-up to the current 2nm manufacturing process.

Diving into the technical details, the process is said to utilize the so-called Super Power Rail (SPR), which is the company’s backside power delivery network. This is a new architecture where the signal and power wirings are separated, with the latter being placed on the backside of the wafer, instead of both being on the front.

Check out the latest processor news:

• The hidden Samsung price hike that could ruin affordable smartphones
• iPhone 18 Pro A20 Pro chip might make it easier for buyers to plunk down $1,399
• Pixel 11 missed the upgrade everyone was counting on

Faster chips with much lower power consumption

Thanks to this separation, TSMC achieved a reduction in the bottlenecks during data transmission. This directly boosts both the computing speed and the energy efficiency, which is the most notable practical improvement.

Compared to the 2nm architecture, which is just starting to arrive in flagship smartphones, the new process will secure between 8% and 10% faster speeds. Even more impressive is the energy consumption, which could go down by 15% to 20%.

When are smartphones getting 1.6nm processors?

While flagship smartphones are usually using some of the most advanced processors available, the A16 technology may not be meant for them, at least initially. TSMC is reportedly targeting artificial intelligence and high-performance computing chips with the technology.



Even if the company were to target its usual clients, the technology would probably end up in consumer products no sooner than the end of next year. Regardless of that, TSMC is reportedly already looking ahead to the development of a 1.4nm class process, which should enter mass production in 2028. 

Consumer technology is yet to fully embrace the 2nm process, with Apple’s A20 Pro, the MediaTek Dimensity 9600, and the upcoming Snapdragon flagship chips expected to be built on it. The next step for our smartphones is expected to be the 1.4nm process, which could reach actual devices around 2028 or even 2029.

Exciting step forward, but with caveats

I don’t think anyone would want to deny how impressive the advancements in semiconductor manufacturing are, but the raging RAMpocalypse makes such news much less exciting. Unless TSMC and the smartphone manufacturers manage to somehow keep prices down, I don’t think many people will be able to enjoy the improvements.

Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

Buy at Mint Mobile