Samsung’s HBM Plans Face Another Setback as HBM4 Delayed to 2026

Samsung aims to gain a foothold in the growing HBM market with its upcoming HBM4 chips. However, the Korean firm’s ambitions have hit another setback — it has reportedly postponed mass production plans. Originally targeted for the second half of 2025, mass production of 12-layer HBM4 memory product is now expected to start sometime in 2026.

Samsung reportedly delays HBM4 mass production to 2026

Samsung made several missteps with its HBM3E chips, resulting in missed opportunities to secure deals with major clients like Nvidia. It is now taking a more careful approach with the development of its 6th-generation HBM4 chips and does not want to proceed with mass production unless it achieves satisfactory performance and yield. But things aren’t looking very promising.

According to a report from DealSite, Samsung plans to proceed with the HBM4 12-layer PRA in the fourth quarter of 2025. In case you are unaware, PRA (Production Readiness Approval) phase is the final readiness checkpoint before the company begins full-scale production. Once it successfully passes the PRA phase, it will proceed to volume manufacturing sometime in 2026 — not this year as originally planned.

The publication says that Samsung has achieved a 65% yield on its 1c DRAM — the core foundation of HBM4 — during small-scale sample tests. While this is a promising yield rate at the sample stage, consistency during large-scale production remains a challenge. However, it’s a good sign that the firm is making progress with its 1c DRAM.

To achieve improved yield, Samsung had to redesign its 1c DRAM, but that also increased the cost burden. As a result, it will impact overall manufacturing efficiency and reduce profit margins. It needs to achieve consistent high yield in mass production, so it appears Samsung is prioritizing yield stability over speed.

Meanwhile, the Korean firm is preparing to supply HBM4 12-layer samples to its customers, including Nvidia and AMD, this month. It will be interesting to see whether clients approve these samples and lead to signed contracts.