{
  "id": 7814843,
  "title": "MediaTek goes all-in on flagships with its first 2nm smartphone chip",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/mediatek-goes-all-in-on-flagships-with-its-first-2nm-smartphone-chip",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-16T15:06:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechSpot",
    "slug": "techspot",
    "url": "https://www.techspot.com/news/113865-mediatek-goes-all-flagships-first-2nm-smartphone-chip.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MediaTek has unveiled its inaugural smartphone processor crafted using TSMC's cutting-edge 2-nanometer manufacturing process. This strategic move aims to bolster its presence in the premium smartphone market. Dubbed the Dimensity 9600 Pro, the new chip is tailored for flagship devices and incorporates a specialized neural processing unit (NPU) to handle generative AI tasks directly on the device. According to MediaTek, the chip delivers a 51% enhancement in prompt processing compared to its predecessor, enabling faster responses before an AI model initiates its output.\n\nIn addition to the 2nm chip, MediaTek also announced the Dimensity 9600M, a 3nm variant intended for a broader range of flagship smartphones. Both processors are set to debut soon, though MediaTek has not disclosed the specific manufacturers or a definitive timeline. The introduction of these advanced chips coincides with the growing demand among phone manufacturers for on-device AI processing capabilities. Local processing not only diminishes reliance on remote servers but also potentially accelerates response times for specific tasks. However, it necessitates greater computing power within the device, particularly from the NPU.\n\nMediaTek's strategic pivot to the 2nm process is a concerted effort to compete more fiercely in the high-end phone segment, where Qualcomm currently holds a dominant position. Higher-end devices typically yield better returns for chip suppliers, while the integration of AI features has become a key differentiator for manufacturers. This shift in focus is also reflective of the evolving smartphone market, where premium device prices are on the rise due to the incorporation of advanced components, larger storage capacities, and innovative designs. Apple's recently unveiled foldable iPhone, slated to retail at up to $3,199 in the United States for its top-tier storage configuration, exemplifies this trend.\n\nJC Hsu, MediaTek's senior vice president, emphasized the company's collaborative approach with phone manufacturers to mitigate the impact of escalating component costs on end-users. The AI boom has strained supplies of sophisticated components and manufacturing capacity. As the broader market trends towards higher prices, Hsu expressed confidence in MediaTek's ability to expand its share of the premium smartphone segment.\n\nMediaTek's technology has already found use among Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo. The newly introduced Dimensity 9600 Pro and 9600M processors provide these companies, along with other handset makers, with advanced AI-centric processors for their flagship devices. Furthermore, MediaTek is extending its AI endeavors beyond the smartphone realm. The company is developing AI accelerators for major cloud service providers, with its first AI accelerator for a prominent US cloud service provider slated for mass production in the fourth quarter. The identity of this customer has not been disclosed.",
  "summary": "The company also announced the Dimensity 9600M, a 3nm chip aimed at a wider range of flagship phones. MediaTek said handsets using both processors will launch soon, though it did not identify the manufacturers or provide a specific timeframe. Read Entire Article",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}