Samsung delays 1.4nm chip production as it doubles down on 2nm

The race for smaller, more efficient chips never really stops. But Samsung just pumped the brakes a little. According to new reports, mass production of its 1.4nm chips won’t begin until 2029. That’s two years later than the original 2027 target. The shift suggests Samsung is putting more of its weight behind perfecting its 2nm node before moving ahead.

This isn’t exactly out of nowhere. Earlier this year, rumors hinted Samsung might pause or even cancel its 1.4nm plans to avoid a repeat of the problems that plagued its 3nm rollout. Instead, the company is tightening up its roadmap by getting its 2nm process right and making more money from its older chip nodes while it’s at it.

Right now, Samsung’s 2nm yield rate is around 40 percent, which is a big step forward. But TSMC is still ahead, reportedly hitting more than 60 percent yield on the same node. In chipmaking, that kind of lead matters. Lower yields mean fewer usable chips and higher costs, which directly impacts profit margins.

TSMC is already moving forward with 1.4nm and plans to start mass production in 2028. If that happens, the company could have a full year’s lead over Samsung. In an industry where timing can decide multi-billion-dollar deals, that’s no small advantage.

So why is Samsung slowing down? According to reports (via @Jukanlosreve), it’s trying to recover “utilization rate.” That likely means it wants its current 2nm and older manufacturing lines to be fully operational and profitable before sinking resources into something more complex. It’s a practical move that prioritizes stability and return on investment.

For now, the focus is clear. Samsung is committed to getting 2nm right. While TSMC may enjoy an early lead on 1.4nm, the competition is far from settled.