Samsung’s Nvidia HBM4 Certification Threatens Micron’s AI Memory Dominance
Samsung Electronics Co. has entered the final qualification stage with Nvidia Corp. for its next-generation HBM4 memory chips, positioning itself to challenge SK Hynix Inc.'s market leadership. The breakthrough comes as AI-driven demand for high-bandwidth memory reaches unprecedented levels, with Nvidia's accelerators requiring increasingly sophisticated memory solutions.
Micron Technology Inc. shares fell 2.2% following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about intensified competition in the lucrative AI memory sector. The semiconductor firm had been riding a historic rally, with shares climbing from $310 to nearly $400 in 2026 while delivering $13.64 billion in revenue and $4.78 adjusted EPS last quarter.
The HBM market has become a critical battleground for chipmakers as generative AI applications demand faster data throughput. Samsung's anticipated February production timeline could reshape the competitive landscape before the second quarter, potentially disrupting Micron's supply agreements with major AI hardware manufacturers.