Intel 18A Yield Surpasses Samsung's SF2

According to South Korean media reports, Intel's 18A process yield has surpassed 60%, while Samsung Electronics' SF2 advanced process yield remains below 40%. This suggests that Intel's production efficiency may have overtaken Samsung's in the wafer foundry segment.

KeyBanc Capital Markets analysts noted that this development sends a clear signal: Intel could potentially rise to the second position in the global foundry market, trailing only TSMC. Currently, Intel ranks tenth in worldwide market share and has historically struggled to secure major client wafer orders.

Adding momentum to its growth, the U.S. government under the Trump administration plans to provide $9 billion in subsidies by August 2025 in exchange for roughly 10% of Intel's shares. This support is expected to bolster Intel's strategic expansion.

Intel has also secured Apple as a client, planning to manufacture iPad processors using the 18A process. Other tech giants, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, are reportedly considering Intel's advanced packaging technology for their data center semiconductors.

Previously, in July 2025, Wccftech cited KeyBanc Capital Markets' analysis showing Samsung's SF2 yield at around 40% and Intel's 18A yield rising from 50% to 55%. Intel's recent increase to over 60% demonstrates its growing competitiveness in advanced process technology.