Legacy Memory Supply Tightens, Samsung DS Division Notifies Customers of Phase-out
At present, LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X remain the primary memory chips deployed in TV products, yet memory vendors are rapidly scaling back supply of these legacy-generation parts. As previously reported, Samsung Electronic Visual Display (VD) division historically sourced most of its memory from Samsung DS division. DS division formally finalized its phase-out plan in H1 2026 and has been sending customer notifications in batches. With major memory makers phasing out these older products, TV manufacturers face challenges securing adequate supply volumes.
Full Migration to LP5 Is Premature, Winbond Poised to Fill LP4 Supply Gap
A full shift to next-generation LPDDR5 or LPDDR5X for TVs remains premature at this stage and entails relatively high costs. Industry observers therefore attribute Samsung VD's pursuit of cooperation with Winbond to the memory supply crunch. Ahead of the generational transition for TV memory, Samsung will rely on Winbond's DRAM to plug the supply shortfall.
Samsung Plans to Adopt Winbond LP4 Products Starting Next Year, with Share to Reach About 50%
According to industry sources, Samsung Electronics VD division, which oversees the TV business, has decided to procure LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X chips from Winbond starting next year. Relevant certification and validation tests wrapped up in H1 this year. Since reliability criteria for memory chips used in TVs are less stringent than those for mobile memory chips, the qualification cycle was relatively short.
However, adding a new DRAM supplier triggers procedural steps including notifications to key supply chain stakeholders and customers, plus required approvals. Given ongoing negotiations, mass adoption of Winbond DRAM in Samsung TVs is expected in 2027.
Separately, industry sources further indicate Samsung VD division is considering equipping roughly 50% of its TV lineup with Winbond DRAM in 2027.
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