[News] DDR4 Exit Timeline Unfolds for Top Memory Makers: Plans for Samsung, SK hynix and Micron

As major memory makers shift capacity to DDR5 and HBM, their DDR4 phase-out timeline is coming into focus. According to the Commercial Times, Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron are set to end DDR4 shipments between late 2025 and early 2026.

TrendForce’s latest findings also show that the three major DRAM suppliers are shifting capacity toward high-end products and have begun announcing end-of-life (EOL) plans for PC and server-grade DDR4 and mobile LPDDR4X. Consequently, average contract prices for conventional DRAM are projected to rise by 10% to 15% in 3Q25. Including HBM, overall DRAM prices are expected to increase by 15% to 20%, as noted by TrendForce.

DDR4 EOL Update for Three Memory Giants

As per Commercial Times, Samsung is leading the transition, set to stop taking DDR4 orders by June 2025 and wrap up shipments by mid-December. Micron is expected to follow, having notified customers in June that DDR4 is entering end-of-life, with final shipments ending in Q1 2026, the report suggests.

SK hynix, meanwhile, is expected to be the last of the Big Three to phase out DDR4, with plans to stop orders in October 2025 and complete shipments by April 2026, according to the report.

Notably, industry sources cited in the report highlight concerns that Micron’s production lines are being upgraded to 12nm technology during this transition. Once its Taiwan facilities are cleared, the equipment will be moved to the U.S., a process expected to create a temporary supply gap, as per Commercial Times.

DDR4 Prices Soaring, Led by PC and Consumer Segments

Amid this trend, TrendForce notes that DDR4 demand remains strong in 3Q25, and suppliers are aiming to raise prices more aggressively. Moreover, DDR4 output is being prioritized for server applications, leaving limited availability for consumer-grade users.

Therefore, according to TrendForce, consumer DDR4 contract prices are expected to jump 40% to 45% in Q3 due to lower order volumes and weak buyer bargaining power.

TrendForce also points out that EOL policies and strong server DDR4 demand from cloud providers are squeezing PC DDR4 supply. As a result, PC DRAM contract prices are set to climb 8% to 13% in Q3, with DDR4 prices in particular surging 38% to 43%.

TrendForce notes that in the server DRAM market, rising DDR5 demand driven by CSP data center expansions, along with early restocking triggered by DDR4 EOL announcements, has fueled a surge in DDR4 orders in Q2. This unexpected demand has led some suppliers to delay their EOL timelines, disrupting transition plans and creating a short-term supply gap.

Read more

• [News] DDR4 Spot Prices Reportedly Double as China’s Memory Maker Rumored to Phase out Production by 2026
• [News] Micron Confirms DDR4 Phase-Out with EOL Notices; Reportedly Hints at Price Hikes Ahead
• [News] Samsung Reportedly Hikes DRAM Prices on Pre-Tariff Stockpiling, DDR4 up 20%

(Photo credit: Micron)