Google is reportedly planning to switch from Samsung to TSMC when developing their full custom Tensor chipset, which they will design from scratch. The highly anticipated full custom chipset, likely to be named Tensor G5, is scheduled for release in 2025.
As we know, Google started using a custom chip called Tensor in the Pixel 6 Series, which continued with Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7 Series last year. Both chipsets were manufactured by Samsung using 5nm fabrication technology.
However, the Tensor chipset can be considered semi-custom, based on Samsung’s Exynos. The modifications made by Google were not significant, resulting in the Tensor chipset having performance and efficiency similar to the Exynos, which is somewhat lacking.
According to a report from The Information, Google intends to build their own Tensor chipset from scratch, codenamed “Redondo.” Initially, the full custom chipset was planned for release with Tensor G4 in 2024, but due to various reasons, including significant layoffs, the plan was delayed to Tensor G5 in 2025.
What’s more important is that Google is rumored to be switching to TSMC to manufacture the Tensor G5 chipset using the 3nm fabrication process and Integrated Fan-Out technology. This will make the chipset smaller in size and improve power efficiency.
However, before transitioning to TSMC in 2025, Google will continue to produce their Tensor chipsets at Samsung, at least for G3 and G4. This is undoubtedly bad news for Samsung Foundry as they will lose another major customer to their rival in Taiwan for mobile chipsets.
