[News] Samsung HBM4 Reportedly Beats Expectations in Broadcom Test, Set to Lead 2026 Google TPU Supply

Google’s TPU is gaining traction as a strong alternative to NVIDIA, and Samsung is emerging as a beneficiary of the growing ASIC trend. According to Chosun Biz, Samsung Electronics is supplying HBM to Broadcom, the world’s largest ASIC design company, and its sixth-generation HBM (HBM4) has reportedly surpassed Broadcom’s initial performance targets in testing.

Sources cited in the report note that Samsung’s HBM4, expected to go into full supply in 2026, has outperformed its early performance targets in Broadcom’s evaluations. After falling behind SK hynix in prior years, Samsung has attempted to differentiate its HBM4 offering by enhancing both its DRAM and logic die technologies. Thus far, the broader semiconductor industry has offered largely favorable assessments, the report adds.

Samsung is currently supplying its fifth-generation HBM3E, primarily 8-high stacks, for Google’s TPUs via Broadcom, the report notes. The company has offered larger volumes at lower prices than SK hynix, and its products have cleared quality tests without major issues, helping it steadily expand its share.

Samsung’s Growing Momentum in Google’s TPU Supply Chain

The report also indicates that Samsung is positioned to strengthen its foothold in 2026 as demand for Google’s TPUs increases. An industry expert cited in the report notes that Google’s seventh-generation TPU this year uses fifth-generation HBM3E, while the eighth-generation model slated for 2026 will shift to HBM4, and Samsung is expected to supply more than twice as much volume to Google in 2026 compared with 2025.

Industry estimates suggest that Samsung and SK hynix supplied Google with comparable HBM volumes this year, and some analysts believe Samsung may even hold a small lead. As the report underscores, there is growing speculation that Samsung could overtake SK hynix in 2026.

Samsung Poised to Leverage Flexible Capacity Amid Shifting Market Structure

Another factor that could give Samsung an advantage in 2026’s supply is its ability to scale production more flexibly. According to the report, Samsung is thought to have multiple expansion options, including new lines at its Pyeongtaek campus, enabling it to deliver substantially higher volumes. In contrast, SK hynix is already the primary HBM supplier to NVIDIA and other major Big Tech firms, leaving limited capacity for additional output in the near term.

As E-Science points out, within the TPU ecosystem, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are poised to establish a “two-way system” anchored by their substantial production capabilities, whereas U.S. manufacturer Micron is trailing its competitors.

Read more

• [News] Samsung Reportedly Supplies 60%+ of Google TPU HBM3E, Set to Remain Primary Supplier in 2026
• [News] Meta Reportedly Weighs Google TPU Deployment in 2027, Boosting Broadcom, Taiwan’s GUC

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