[News] SK hynix, Samsung Reportedly Deliver Paid HBM4 Samples to NVIDIA Ahead of 1Q26 Contracts

As the HBM4 race accelerates, attention is turning to which supplier will secure the largest share of NVIDIA’s next-generation Rubin AI accelerator. According to SeDaily, both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have begun delivering paid final HBM4 samples to NVIDIA—moving beyond free prototypes and signaling entry into a pre-contract, commercially driven phase of supply.

SeDaily explains that paid sample deliveries typically signal that performance is nearing customer specifications and that negotiations have entered a pre-contract stage. The report further notes that the final remaining hurdle is quality qualification, with the industry expecting volumes and pricing to be locked in during the first quarter of 2026.

TrendForce adds that a definitive outcome will only become clear in the mid-to-late part of the quarter, once contracts are formally finalized.

Samsung Bounces Back

According to SeDaily, SK hynix confirmed in its third-quarter earnings call that its HBM4 mass-production system is in place. Citing industry sources, the report says redesign rumors are unfounded, and SK hynix is now handling minor performance tweaks. Shipments are set to start in Q4, with a full sales ramp planned for next year, the report adds. According to The Chosun Ilbo, the memory giant is currently supplying approximately 20,000 to 30,000 final HBM4 samples to NVIDIA as part of final testing and validation ahead of broader production.

On the other hand, Samsung appears to be bouncing back from HBM3e setbacks. SeDaily reports that its HBM4 supply talks with NVIDIA are nearing completion, positioning the company as the likely second-largest supplier after SK hynix. Paid HBM4 samples have already been delivered and are reportedly undergoing quality checks in NVIDIA’s Rubin accelerator.

Leveraging its in-house 4nm foundry process and DRAM technology a generation ahead of competitors, Samsung is reportedly gaining positive feedback from other potential customers. Chosun Biz reported in early December that the company is supplying HBM to Broadcom, with its sixth-generation HBM4 reportedly surpassing Broadcom’s initial performance targets in testing.

Meanwhile, SeDaily reports that Micron has met NVIDIA’s HBM4 specifications and delivered final customer samples (CS), but the company is expected to remain the third-ranked supplier behind SK hynix and Samsung Electronics. More details may emerge when Micron releases its earnings results on December 17.

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

(Photo credit: SK hynix)