Global semiconductor giant SK Hynix announced on May 9, 2024, that it has developed a new generation of high-performance mobile NAND flash memory solution “ZUFS (Zoned Universal Flash Storage) 4.0.” The product is expected to enter mass production in the third quarter of this year and will be applied to AI smartphones with on-device processing capabilities.

Representing the pinnacle of industry performance, ZUFS 4.0 is specifically designed for synergy with AI smartphones. This technology manages data by differentiating the characteristics of the data generated by smartphone applications, storing similar types of data in the same zone. Unlike the current universal mixed storage approach, ZUFS 4.0 optimizes the data transfer efficiency between the operating system and the storage device through zoned storage, significantly improving the phone’s operating speed.

Compared to the previous generation, ZUFS 4.0 has achieved significant improvements in performance stability over long-term use, reducing the degradation of performance due to frequent reading and writing, thereby increasing the product’s lifespan by 40%. Such enhancements not only improve user experience but also extend the service life of the devices.

SK Hynix has anticipated the growing demand for high-performance NAND flash memory solutions since 2019 and has collaborated with major global platform companies to develop ZUFS technology. The company has already provided initial trial products to customers and, based on these, has worked with customers to develop a 4.0 version of the product that complies with JEDEC standards.

As tech giants increasingly focus on developing self-developed generative AI for on-device processing, the demand for high-performance memory has surged. SK Hynix states that it will continue to supply high-performance NAND flash memory solutions that meet customer requirements and strengthen partnerships with leading global ICT companies to reinforce its position as a top global supplier of AI-oriented memory solutions.