New Flash Chips Designed to Power AI on Smartphones

Chip manufacturer SK Hynix has unveiled a new flash memory chip designed to enable smartphones to run AI applications faster and more efficiently.

The new Zoned UFS, or ZUFS 4.0, is designed to process data quickly, especially in devices like smartphones. It organizes and stores information based on what it’s needed for, instead of how often it's accessed.

The new chip’s smart organization feature allows a smartphone's operating system to work faster with storage devices, so it can efficiently handle different AI tasks.

The chip shortens the time required to run an application from a smartphone in long hours of use by 45%, SK Hynix claims.

Away from smartphones, the new chips could power predictive analytics apps on smartwatches or enable faster data processing in IoT devices.

The flash drive has an increased life span. The chip is designed to last 40% longer than its predecessors.

Ahn Hyun, head of SK Hynix's flash solution strategic unit, noted that customers are seeking improved memory solutions as major tech companies emphasize developing on-device products that incorporate their proprietary generative AI applications.

“SK Hynix will continue to work toward strengthening its leadership as the global top AI memory provider by supplying high-performance NAND solutions that meet such higher requirements at [the] right time while building up stronger partnership[s] with leading ICT companies,” Hyun said.

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The chip manufacturer has been working on the chips since 2019. It plans to start mass production in the third quarter of the year before shipping to major smartphone manufacturers.