Samsung Electronics Approaches Crucial Nvidia Certification for Next-Gen AI Memory Chips
Samsung Electronics is reportedly closing in on a critical milestone in the intensifying artificial intelligence memory chip market. According to industry sources, the South Korean technology giant is nearing certification from Nvidia for its next-generation HBM4 memory chips, positioning itself to better compete with domestic rival SK Hynix in this strategically important sector.
Final Qualification Phase Underway for Advanced Memory Technology
A Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter reveals that Samsung has entered the final qualification phase with Nvidia after submitting initial samples in September 2025. The company is now preparing for mass production of HBM4 in February and will be ready to ship soon, though exact timing remains uncertain according to industry observers.
This development marks significant progress for Samsung in the high-bandwidth memory market, where Nvidia requires vast quantities of HBM to power its AI accelerators. The certification process represents a crucial step toward Samsung becoming a qualified supplier for Nvidia's advanced computing platforms.
Market Impact and Competitive Dynamics
The report notes that Samsung's shares gained as much as 3.2% in Seoul trading following the development news. Conversely, shares of SK Hynix fell by roughly the same amount, highlighting the competitive forces at play between the two South Korean firms in this rapidly growing industry.
Currently, Samsung trails both SK Hynix and Micron Technology in the AI memory market. However, in recent weeks, all three companies have seen their shares rise substantially as the AI boom has created a shortage of memory across the broader electronics industry. Remarkably, the three leading memory chip manufacturers have gained approximately $900 billion in combined market value since the start of September 2025.
Strategic Positioning for Future AI Processors
Investor expectations are growing that Samsung may be able to join its rivals in supplying components for Nvidia's upcoming Rubin processors. To date, Nvidia has relied heavily on SK Hynix for the advanced memory chips it pairs with its high-end AI accelerators, making Samsung's potential certification particularly significant for market dynamics.
Earlier reports from The Korea Economic Daily indicated that Samsung is scheduled to begin HBM4 shipments to Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. next month. Both Samsung and SK Hynix are scheduled to hold earnings calls this week, during which they are expected to discuss progress on their HBM4 chips and provide updates on their competitive positioning in the AI memory market.
The intensifying competition comes at a time when global demand for AI-optimized memory continues to surge, driven by expanding deployments of artificial intelligence across multiple industries and applications. Samsung's progress toward Nvidia certification represents a potential shift in the competitive landscape that could have far-reaching implications for the global semiconductor industry.
