Qualcomm is exploring the possibility of changing its approach to Snapdragon chipsets, potentially modeling its strategy after Apple’s successful A-series lineup. The company is set to introduce two variants of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 3, mirroring Apple’s base and “Pro” chip differentiation.
Both variants will be manufactured using an advanced 2 nm process, which is expected to significantly impact the smartphone market as a whole. For the production of these chips, Qualcomm will once again collaborate with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), as it appears that Samsung Foundry has missed out on obtaining manufacturing orders.
This shift towards dual variants aims to provide a more cost-effective solution while maintaining modern technology, which could entice more manufacturers to choose Qualcomm’s offerings. Apple’s method of distinguishing standard iPhone models from Pro versions has proven successful.
Qualcomm likely hopes to achieve a similar marketing effect with its Snapdragon 8 Elite 3. This processor is poised for release in 2026 and is expected to compete directly against the upcoming A20 chips from Apple, also utilizing the same 2 nm technology.
However, the cost associated with this advanced manufacturing process might lead to significant price increases for devices using the Snapdragon 8 Elite 3. This could result in higher retail prices for smartphones and potentially deter some manufacturers from adopting these chips, particularly if they aim to maintain affordable pricing.
Samsung may face challenges as it attempts to finalize the Exynos 2500 for its Galaxy S25 series while also working towards the development of the Exynos 2600 for future models. Qualcomm’s strategy could ultimately allow manufacturers to select the base model Elite 3 for budget-friendly offerings, strengthening its position in a competitive marketplace against alternatives like MediaTek.