Samsung Electronics is in talks with Nvidia to supply the next-generation HBM4 chips, as the South Korean chipmaker aims to catch up with rivals in the AI chip race. Samsung plans to market the new chip next year, but has not disclosed its shipping timing. This move comes as local rival SK Hynix, Nvidia's top HBM chip supplier, aims to start shipping its latest HBM4 chips in the fourth quarter and expand sales next year. In a separate deal, Samsung will purchase 50,000 high-end Nvidia chips to build an AI-enhanced semiconductor factory. The launch of HBM4 chips will be a major test of Samsung's ability to regain its edge in the market, analysts said. HBM, a type of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) standard first produced in 2013, involves stacking chips vertically to save space and reduce power consumption, helping to process the large volume of data generated by complex AI applications. Investors are watching for whether Samsung's HBM4 can cut SK Hynix's lead in advanced memory chips. The chipmaker, which is also a leading smartphone maker, said in July it had provided HBM4 samples to customers, with plans to begin supply next year. Samsung's share price has risen nearly 60% since July as investors expect the chipmaker to benefit from the current uptrend in memory prices and advance in the AI race.
