SK Hynix Revolutionizes Mobile AI with ZUFS 4.0

Recently, SK Hynix announced the development of a new generation mobile NAND flash memory solution, “ZUFS (Zoned UFS) 4.0.” Following its pioneering work in ultra-high-performance DRAM, including HBM, SK Hynix is now leading the AI-oriented memory market with its NAND flash memory solutions. ZUFS 4.0 represents a cutting-edge mobile NAND flash solution that achieves the highest industry performance and is optimized for edge AI smartphones. Compared to its predecessors, this new generation product significantly reduces performance degradation over prolonged use, thus extending the lifespan of the device.

ZUFS intelligently manages data generated by smartphone applications by categorizing it based on its distinctive characteristics. Unlike current UFS systems that store data in a mixed format without segmentation, ZUFS enhances the efficiency of smartphone operating systems and storage device data management by zoning data according to its use and frequency of access. SK Hynix reports that compared to existing UFS solutions, ZUFS improves the runtime of mobile applications in long-term usage scenarios by 45%, increases the endurance of storage read/write performance fourfold, and extends the product lifespan by approximately 40%.

SK Hynix has already provided initial prototypes to its clients, collaborated on the development of products that conform to JEDEC standards, and plans to begin mass production in the third quarter of this year, aiming to equip global smartphone manufacturers’ edge AI devices.