A report suggests some Galaxy S26 models may cost more.

TSMC is currently using its third-generation 3nm process (N3P) to manufacture application processors (APs). This process is used to create the Apple A19 chipsets for the upcoming iPhone 17 series. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 and MediaTek's Dimensity 9500, for high-end phones, will also use this node.

According to a report in the China Times, Qualcomm and MediaTek are paying more for TSMC's N3P silicon wafers. MediaTek is reportedly paying 24% more, while Qualcomm is paying 16% more. The report does not clarify if these increases are in comparison to TSMC's second-generation 3nm node (N3E), which produced the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400 APs.

Due to these higher costs from TSMC, Qualcomm and MediaTek may raise their chip prices. Consequently, Samsung might increase prices for some Galaxy S26 models next year. The vivo X300, expected to use the Dimensity 9500 AP, could also see a price hike.

The China Times report suggests Apple is also paying more for the 3nm wafers. However, because Apple designs its own APs, it avoids paying additional costs to chip designers like Qualcomm and MediaTek. This allows Apple to only pay TSMC directly, unlike phone manufacturers such as Samsung and vivo.

The 3nm chipsets are expected to provide a 5% performance improvement at the same power level, along with a 5% to 10% energy consumption reduction at the same frequency. Smaller process nodes reduce the size of transistors, increasing transistor density (MTr/mm²). Higher transistor density results in more powerful and energy-efficient chips.

Next year, when TSMC begins producing APs with its 2nm process node, costs could rise further. Some anticipate that 2nm silicon wafers may cost 50% more. Additionally, Apple's reservation of half of TSMC's 2nm capacity may make it difficult for Qualcomm and MediaTek to secure sufficient production.

TSMC is projected to produce 60,000 2nm wafers each month from four fabrication plants. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge may be among the first smartphones to use a 2nm AP, potentially featuring the Exynos 2600 AP in most markets (excluding the U.S., Canada, and China), manufactured by Samsung Foundry using its 2nm process.

Both Samsung Foundry and TSMC's 2nm processes utilize Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistors. GAA transistors improve performance and reduce energy consumption by minimizing current leakage. The iPhone 18 series, featuring the A20 APs, is expected to be the first iPhone models with a 2nm AP.

Following 2nm, TSMC is planning to begin mass production of 1.4nm chips in 2028 and will switch to using angstroms (Å) instead of nanometers for naming. The 1.4nm process will be known as A14. After the 1.4nm process (A14), new materials and a different transistor architecture could be introduced.

Lastly, a new coffee table book called "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is scheduled to be released in a few months.