Samsung starts Tesla AI5 prototype production, narrowing gap with TSMC

Samsung has started prototype production of Tesla's AI5 chip at its Taylor plant using a 2nm process, beginning yield verification ahead of schedule. Full verification will be completed by year-end, with deliveries from 2026; the Tesla contract is valued at $16.5 billion.

• AI5 prototypes are made on Samsung's 2nm line at its Taylor plant
• Samsung's contract with Tesla for chip supply is $16.5 billion
• Verification planned to finish by year-end, deliveries from 2026
• Samsung's foundry market share is 5.9%, SMIC's is 5.4%