Samsung is making all kinds of noise lately with its 2nm GAA process advancements and Exynos making a return with next year’s Galaxy S26 flagships. However, the South Korean giant is also working on something beyond. Samsung will reportedly integrate an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) into the Exynos 5G modem. This means the baseband chip will gain AI-powered capabilities required for real-time satellite communications.
An upcoming Exynos chip may have an NPU on the 5G modem
An executive from Samsung’s semiconductor division apparently met with SpaceX. The reason for this, as per Hankung, is to discuss the state of development for a new Exynos SoC that can connect to low-orbit satellites in the shortest time possible. Such a technology could shake the existing communications industry, which must go through ground-based stations.
The report, citing unnamed analysts, notes that Samsung is speeding up to enter the supply chain built by SpaceX. This is through an Exynos chipset whose 5G model will have an integrated NPU.
The modem would gain enhanced AI capabilities
At present, the existing SoCs have a limitation in directly communicating with low-orbit satellites and providing that information to terminals, which are smartphones in this scenario. The modem would gain enhanced AI capabilities that can predict satellite movements and communicate beam status in real time, and also maximize signal strength.
No major details about the said Exynos chip are available at the moment. It’s also not clear whether the silicon in question is the Exynos 2600. Previous reports note that Exynos 2600 would feature a standalone 5G modem, which would reduce the chipset’s efficiency.
We haven’t come across any Exynos 2600 rumors that remotely mention anything about Samsung introducing an NPU to the 5G modem. This suggests it’s likely to arrive in future iterations. Apple introduced the Satellite communication feature with the iPhone 14, but Samsung appears to be working on refining the experience.
