Global semiconductor leaders TSMC and Rapidus aim for 1 nm mass production by 2028 while Samsung Electronics prioritizes 2 nm stability and Intel enters the competition
Semiconductor manufacturing at the 1nm level has become the focal point of international competition among countries which maintain distinct development paths for their semiconductor technology. Three major foundry nations of Taiwan, Japan and Korea now approach the 1nm production threshold, which marks a pivotal moment for the global semiconductor industry as it enters a new strategic direction. The report from Biz Chosun shows that the two groups which seek immediate technical results and the group which wants to maintain internal order have become increasingly separated from each other. TSMC and Rapidus from Japan will start mass production within the next two years, while Samsung Electronics has chosen to delay its 1nm roadmap because it needs to improve its 2nm production processes.
TSMC maintains its industry leadership through its new Fab 25 facility, which requires an investment of approximately 49 billion dollars for expansion. By the end of next year, the Taiwanese giant will begin trial production of its 1.4nm class A14 process, which will begin full scale manufacturing in 2028. The company expands its operations to meet the application processor requirements of Apple and other major technology companies who need next generation products. TSMC set a 2028 deadline to ensure that it remains the preferred option for all global fabless companies who need the highest transistor density available.
The Japanese government supports Rapidus as it works to accomplish its first major technological achievement. Rapidus, which was established through a partnership of eight major Japanese companies including Sony and Toyota, aims to decrease the technology gap between its operations and TSMC by six months. The company is currently developing its own 1.4nm process and plans to start production in 2029, although some analysts believe that the company will attempt to launch its operations in late 2028. The Japanese foundry established strong business progress; however, it faces major challenges because Japan lacks an internal fabless market which could deliver 1nm chip needs.
Samsung Electronics has adjusted its business strategy because multiple market conditions and internal performance indicators required it to change its course. The South Korean tech leader changed its target for 1nm launch from 2027 to 2030, which will require further assessment before reaching a final decision. The company uses this strategy to direct its resources toward 2nm competition, which has become its main area of focus because the company faces difficulties in obtaining regular orders from important technology partners. Sammy Electronics focuses on two goals, which include reducing financial losses and enhancing the stability of its current advanced processes.
Samsung’s foundry business must increase utilization rates of its older nodes while its foundry business needs to enhance 2nm production capacity. The 2nm production at Samsung reached over 60 percent, but further advancements are needed to match TSMC's established standards. Samsung uses its operational metrics to make its services more affordable for major technology companies, who will be uncertain about using new 1nm class technologies. The company will adopt a business strategy which combines conservative growth with environmentally sustainable operations to achieve its objectives for the next several years.
The competition becomes more intense because Intel started its manufacturing operations for 1nm clas chips, which will produce CPUs that Intel will use for its internal needs. Global technology leaders will maintain their strict selection criteria when they choose foundry partners who will operate their 1nm production processes. TSMC remains the most popular choice because it has consistently demonstrated operational stability, while Samsung and Intel serve as backup options for companies who need to establish supply chains in the United States. The determination of semiconductor leadership in the upcoming generation will rest on the ability to demonstrate high yield rates by 2028.
