Huawei is preparing to adopt 5nm process technology for its future Kirin chipsets. However, despite progress in development, the launch of a 5nm Kirin chipset will not happen in 2025. The company continues to face key manufacturing hurdles, particularly due to limitations in semiconductor equipment.
No 5nm Launch This Year
Huawei’s latest flagship, the Pura 80 series, features the 7nm Kirin 9020—built using SMIC’s ‘N+2’ process. Although this represents a step up from previous generations, insiders confirm that a move to 5nm is underway. According to a Weibo user known as “Smart chip consultant,” 5nm chip production is in development, but mass deployment will only begin in 2026.
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DUV Constraints and High Costs
The primary challenge lies in the lack of access to EUV (extreme ultraviolet) machines. U.S. export restrictions prevent Chinese firms, including SMIC and Huawei, from acquiring advanced EUV lithography systems from companies like ASML. As a result, manufacturers must rely on older DUV (deep ultraviolet) machines using a complex multi-patterning process. This leads to lower yields, increased production costs, and higher defect rates.
Huawei’s In-House Tools and Strategy
Despite the barriers, Huawei has shown resilience. The company previously developed 14nm EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools, which were key in designing the 7nm Kirin 9020. It remains unclear whether these tools will support the upcoming 5nm chips or if Huawei will need a new suite of in-house solutions. The recent U.S. ban on EDA tool exports adds more complexity to China’s chip development landscape.
Hope for Homegrown EUV
There is cautious optimism that Chinese-made EUV machines may enter trial production by Q3 2025. If successful, Huawei and SMIC could significantly reduce their reliance on foreign technology. Until then, the journey toward 5nm remains steep, but progress is steady, and the industry is closely watching for Huawei’s next move.
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