Counterpoint Research·2025-11-13 01:34Core Insights - The article discusses the significant shift towards advanced process nodes (5/4/3/2nm) in smartphone SoC shipments, predicting that by 2025, these advanced nodes will account for 50% of total smartphone SoC shipments, up from 43% in 2024 [4][5]. Advanced Process Node Transition - The transition to advanced process nodes is accelerating, enhancing performance and energy efficiency across various smartphone price segments, leading to improved GenAI capabilities, gaming performance, and thermal management [5]. - The revenue from advanced process chips is expected to exceed 80% of total smartphone SoC revenue by 2025, driven by increased semiconductor content and average selling price (ASP) growth [5][8]. Key Players and Market Dynamics - Qualcomm is projected to lead the advanced process transition, capturing nearly 40% of the market share in 2025 with a 28% year-over-year growth, surpassing Apple [6][8]. - MediaTek is also expected to see a 69% increase in advanced process shipments in 2025, benefiting from its mid-range product migration to 5/4nm [6][8]. Manufacturing Landscape - TSMC is anticipated to remain the leading foundry for advanced process smartphone SoCs, with a projected 27% year-over-year growth in shipments by 2025, holding over 75% of the advanced process market share [9]. - The introduction of 2nm process technology is expected in 2026, with major players like MediaTek, Qualcomm, Apple, and Samsung launching flagship SoCs based on this technology [8][10]. Market Outlook - By 2026, the share of advanced process nodes in total smartphone SoC shipments is expected to rise to 60%, driven by the migration of mid-range models and the continued ramp-up of 3nm production [10].