Samsung Reportedly Begins 1nm Process Development, Targets 2029 Mass Production

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trendforce.com, Apr. 10, 2025 – 

Despite recent market rumors that Samsung might cancel its 1.4nm node to cut foundry business losses, a report from Wccftech, citing SEDaily, states that the company has begun development of its 1-nanometer (1nm) process. According to sources cited in the report, Samsung has formed a dedicated team for its 1nm development, with mass production targeted for 2029.

As highlighted in the report, developing the 1nm process will require next-generation equipment, including High-NA EUV lithography machines. Earlier in March, Samsung Electronics reportedly brought in its first High-NA EUV tool—the EXE:5000—to its Hwaseong campus, according to Korean media outlet The Financial News, citing sources.

Samsung vs. TSMC: The Race Toward Advanced Nodes

Samsung’s 1.0nm process—dubbed the “dream semiconductor process”—goes beyond its current foundry roadmap, where the most advanced node is the 1.4nm process scheduled for mass production in 2027, according to SEDaily. The report adds that Samsung aims to fast-track 1nm-class development as a potential path to a turnaround.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s 2nm process has reached an initial yield of over 30%, according to Korean media outlet The Bell, citing sources. The company aims to stabilize the process in the second half of 2025 in preparation for the mass production of the Exynos 2600, the report notes.

However, Samsung appears to be trailing TSMC in the 2nm race. According to Commercial Times, TSMC’s Baoshan plant in Hsinchu—a key hub for its 2nm production—began accepting pre-orders for the second half of 2025 starting April 1. Additionally, the company’s Kaohsiung plant in Southern Taiwan featuring 2nm broke ground on March 31.

TSMC’s 1.4nm development is also gaining momentum. As noted by Economic Daily News, the foundry giant has recently informed suppliers to prepare for the necessary manufacturing equipment for the node for a trial production line to be set up this year at the Baoshan (Fab 20) P2 plant in Hsinchu.

The report from Economic Daily News points out that Fab 25, located in the Central Taiwan Science Park, will also serve as a key production hub for 1.4nm, and TSMC plans to build four 1.4nm fabs at Fab 25, with the P1 facility targeting risk trial production by 2027 and full-scale manufacturing expected by late 2028.

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