What you need to know
- Overseas reports claim TSMC has developed a new 1.6nm process intended for a new A16 chip.
- At present, this chip isn’t designed for phones, but rather for AI and “high-performance computing” devices.
- TSMC could begin mass production of this chip in Q4 2026, which could help bring the 1.4nm process into reality for mobile devices.
There are reports from overseas sources that claim TSMC is taking significant steps toward a 1.6nm chip.
This report, highlighted by Chosun Biz, claims the Liberty Times’ sources suggest TSMC has “completed” its development for a 1.6nm chip (via Android Headlines). Apparently, this 1.6nm process is intended to work with the company’s new A16 chips. It’s been stated that TSMC increased the A16’s chip density by ~8% (or higher). Moreover, its performance could be ~10% better than its 2nm process and ~15% more power-efficient.
While this new A16 chip running on the 1.6nm process switches how it manages its power (for efficiency and performance), the report claims TSMC isn’t targeting the usual crowd. The publication purports that TSMC’s A16 chips are designed for AI and “high-performance computing” devices as its “main market.” With that, it looks like we shouldn’t expect this 1.6nm process in a phone chip anytime soon. Which, if you consider the timing, would put us in 2027.
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Mass production of these A16 chips could begin in Q4 2026.
However, TSMC is supposedly using what it’s done with its A16 chips and the 1.6nm process to develop a 1.4nm process. This version is suspected to make its way into phones.
Chips are getting better, stronger, faster
It’s almost that time of the year when Qualcomm’s next chip comes out. Hearing about 1.6nm is funny (even 1.4nm) since we’re just on the edge of 2nm with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Expectations say this chip should feature TSMC’s 2nm process. What’s more, the SD 8 Elite Gen 6 could feature a 2+3+3 CPU structure. Another 2nm process chip we’re expecting is MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600. That should also debut soon, as we push into the final four months.
Rumors aside, Qualcomm started teasing its next Snapdragon chips for its Summit 2026 event in Maui, Hawaii. We’ve heard rumors about Qualcomm making two flagship chips, and the company says we can expect “Dual 8 Elites” this year. It hasn’t said what the other chip will be called; however, earlier reports said it would be the “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.”