Samsung Foundry is embarking on a significant strategic shift to rejuvenate its Exynos semiconductor line following a notably difficult period in 2024. Persistent challenges with advanced manufacturing processes, particularly the 3nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) node, led to production setbacks and impacted the competitiveness of its in-house chips. These difficulties culminated in the notable absence of Exynos silicon from flagship devices like the Galaxy S25 series, which relied exclusively on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Compounding these issues, Samsung also faced broader market pressures and reported reduced market share in key sectors, prompting a substantial cut in foundry investments planned for 2025. In response to these hurdles and aiming to expedite the return of competitive Exynos chips, Samsung is integrating Meta's recently released Llama 4 artificial intelligence model into its semiconductor design and development workflows. This marks a departure from relying solely on internal AI tools, which were reportedly less efficient. The Llama 4 model will be deployed locally within Samsung's systems, ensuring data privacy and protecting sensitive intellectual property by operating without external connectivity. This advanced AI is expected to assist engineers across various tasks, from optimizing documentation management to directly aiding in the complex process of chipset design, ultimately aiming to streamline development cycles and improve efficiency. This collaboration occurs alongside a strengthening relationship between the two tech giants, as Meta has also reportedly shifted some of its AI chip production from TSMC to Samsung Foundry, citing volatility concerns with its previous partner. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed confidence in Samsung's capabilities, highlighting the foundry's potential role in Meta's future AI ambitions. For Samsung, leveraging Llama 4 is not just about improving internal processes; it's a crucial step in meeting demanding timelines. Industry reports suggest the Exynos 2600 system-on-chip (SoC) must be finalized by the third quarter of 2025 to secure its place in the Galaxy S26 lineup, expected in early 2026. The roadmap for other Exynos variants, like the Exynos 2500, remains somewhat fluid. Initially anticipated for 2025 devices, its production plans have shifted, with speculation now pointing towards potential inclusion in late 2025 foldable models, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7. Concurrently, Samsung engineers are pushing forward with the development of a next-generation 2nm process node, likely intended for future flagship Exynos chips, even as they navigate the complexities of moving past the troubled 3nm node. There are also whispers of potential internal restructuring, possibly involving the transfer of Exynos responsibilities from the System LSI division to the Mobile eXperience (MX) division, potentially to enhance focus and accountability. Ultimately, Samsung's adoption of Meta's Llama 4 AI represents a determined effort to overcome recent manufacturing and performance obstacles. By integrating sophisticated AI capabilities, the company hopes to accelerate development, enhance chip design, and regain a strong footing in the competitive mobile processor market. While the path ahead involves navigating tight deadlines, managing ongoing process node transitions, and potentially significant organizational adjustments, the successful implementation of this AI-driven strategy will be pivotal for the future of the Exynos brand and its role within Samsung's device ecosystem.
