Key facts
- MediaTek launched its Dimensity 9600 Pro, its first mobile processor using TSMC's 2-nanometre process.
- The Dimensity 9600 Pro includes a dedicated AI processor (NPU) for on-device generative AI applications.
- MediaTek also introduced the Dimensity 9600M, built on TSMC's 3-nanometre process.
- MediaTek's market value surpassed Qualcomm's earlier this year.
- MediaTek raised $3.9 billion last month through a convertible bond sale, with Nvidia and Alphabet participating.
Taiwan's MediaTek unveiled its latest smartphone processors, the Dimensity 9600 Pro and Dimensity 9600M, utilizing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co's most advanced manufacturing technologies. The Dimensity 9600 Pro is MediaTek's first mobile processor built on TSMC's cutting-edge 2-nanometre process, while the Dimensity 9600M uses TSMC's 3-nanometre process and targets a broader segment of the flagship market. These new chips are designed to enhance on-device AI capabilities, a key focus for the company as it seeks to gain market share in the premium smartphone segment against U.S. rival Qualcomm. MediaTek's market value surpassed Qualcomm's earlier this year, indicating its growing influence in the sector. JC Hsu, corporate senior vice president at MediaTek, acknowledged the challenge of rising component costs due to the AI boom but expressed optimism about increasing market share in the flagship segment due to advanced hardware and new AI features driving higher price points. The company is also expanding its AI business into data-center and custom-chip products, with its first AI accelerator for a major U.S. cloud provider expected to enter mass production in the fourth quarter. MediaTek recently raised $3.9 billion through a convertible bond sale, with significant participation from Nvidia and Alphabet.