Report: Google's First Exclusive Chipset for Pixel Devices Delayed Until 2025

According to a report from The Information, Google had initially planned to replace the modified Samsung Exynos chips used in Pixel phones with its own in-house designed processor called "Redondo" by 2024. However, due to various challenges, the release of "Redondo" has been delayed to 2025, and Google will instead introduce a new custom processor codenamed "Laguna."

The Challenges Faced by Google's Chip Development Team

The delay in the release of the "Redondo" chip can be attributed to challenges related to employee retention and development coordination between US and Indian teams. The team responsible for designing the processor was disheartened by Google's decision to cancel the development of several Tensor chips over the past two years. These setbacks created a sense of disappointment within the team, contributing to the postponement of the release.

Google's Interim Solution: Semi-Custom Samsung Chips & the Transition to TSMC

While Google works on refining its custom processors, the company is reportedly continuing to use semi-custom versions of Samsung's chips. However, Google has plans to shift the manufacturing of its processors from Samsung to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a renowned chipmaking giant known for producing chips for Apple's iPhones and other prominent devices.

The Advancements of the "Laguna" Processor

The new custom processor, "Laguna," is expected to incorporate advanced packaging technology that is primarily utilized by Apple. This technology enables improved power efficiency while maintaining a slim chip profile. By adopting this packaging technology, Google aims to enhance the performance and energy efficiency of its future Pixel devices.

The Transition Process: From Redondo to Laguna

The report states that the Tensor team at Google was unable to provide TSMC with the design of the "Redondo" chip by the 2022 deadline for trial production, even after reducing some of its features.

Consequently, "Redondo" will now be manufactured as a test chip, assisting the Tensor engineers in designing the new "Laguna" processor. This transition allows Google to leverage the experience gained from developing "Redondo" and incorporate it into the improved architecture of "Laguna."

Google's Long-Term Goal: Self-Designed Tensor Processors

Despite the delay in the release of "Redondo," Google remains committed to its long-term vision of designing its own Tensor processors. The company aims to completely replace Samsung's chips with its custom processors by 2025.

However, as reported by The Information, Google will continue to license Arm CPU and GPU cores for the foreseeable future, ensuring compatibility and optimizing performance in its devices.

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