Samsung Electronics has received strong positive feedback for its next-generation high-bandwidth memory chips, HBM4, with customers signalling renewed confidence in the company’s position in the artificial intelligence chip market.
In his New Year’s address, Samsung co-chief executive and semiconductor head Jun Young-hyun said customers have responded enthusiastically to the company’s progress. He noted that some clients have gone so far as to say, “Samsung is back,” particularly in reference to HBM4 development, while acknowledging that further refinements are still required.
Samsung’s renewed momentum comes as it seeks to close the gap with rivals in the fast-growing AI hardware segment. In October 2025, the company confirmed it was in discussions with Nvidia, the global leader in AI processors, regarding the supply of HBM4 chips. The talks highlighted Samsung’s ambition to strengthen its foothold in a market long dominated by competitors.
Investor sentiment reflected this optimism. Following the latest developments, Samsung Electronics shares rose by 4.5%, while rival SK Hynix gained 3.1%. Both stocks outperformed South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index, which advanced 1.4% during the same session.
Samsung Electronics says customers praised competitiveness of HBM4 chip https://t.co/9FADjI6PIh https://t.co/9FADjI6PIh
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 2, 2026SK Hynix chief executive Kwak Noh-Jung also acknowledged strong global demand for AI memory chips but warned that competition is intensifying. He said the business environment in 2026 is likely to be more challenging, underlining the need for cautious investment decisions and long-term strategic planning.
Market data shows that the rivalry remains tight. According to Counterpoint Research, SK Hynix led the global HBM market in the third quarter of 2025 with a 53% share, followed by Samsung at 35% and Micron at 11%.
Jun also pointed to progress in Samsung’s foundry business, saying recent supply agreements had contributed to meaningful growth. Among the most notable was a $16.5 billion contract with Tesla, underscoring Samsung’s expanding role across advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Industry analysts say customer confidence in HBM4 could mark a turning point for Samsung, particularly as AI workloads drive unprecedented demand for high-performance memory. If execution keeps pace with expectations, Samsung’s rebound could reshape competitive dynamics in the global AI chip ecosystem.
