Micron Delivers the World’s Most Compact UFS Package to Enable Next-Generation Phone Designs and Larger Batteries
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Insights
The announcement by Micron Technology, Inc. regarding the qualification samples of an enhanced UFS 4.0 mobile solution represents a significant advancement in the mobile storage industry. The reduction in package size to 9x13 mm, when compared to the previous 11x13 mm, is not only a technological achievement but also a strategic move. This compact design is crucial for smartphone manufacturers aiming to optimize internal space for additional features like larger batteries or new technologies such as foldable screens.
Moreover, the improvement in power efficiency by 25% is a compelling selling point that addresses consumer demands for longer battery life, especially as smartphones become increasingly central to high-demand applications like augmented reality and gaming. The introduction of features like High-Performance Mode, One Button Refresh and Zoned UFS further differentiates Micron's offering by enhancing user experience and device longevity, potentially influencing OEM preferences and consumer buying decisions.
The doubling of sequential read and write speeds to 4300 MBps and 4000 MBps, respectively, sets a new industry benchmark that competitors will have to match or exceed. This leap forward in performance could lead to Micron capturing a larger market share in the mobile storage space, impacting the company's financial performance and shareholder value positively.
Micron's proprietary firmware advancements, such as High-Performance Mode, One Button Refresh and Zoned UFS, represent a paradigm shift in how mobile storage manages data. These features are designed to optimize device performance under high-intensity usage and extend device lifespan, which are critical factors in the consumer electronics market. The ability to load large language models in generative AI applications 40% faster is a testament to the potential of Micron's UFS 4.0 solution to enable more sophisticated AI capabilities on mobile devices.
Furthermore, the decision to offer expansive capacities up to 1 terabyte addresses the growing data storage needs as AI and multimedia applications become more prevalent. This move is aligned with the trend towards edge computing, where data processing is increasingly performed on the device rather than in the cloud, enhancing security and access to personal data.
From a technological standpoint, the advancements in Micron's UFS 4.0 solution could accelerate the development and adoption of next-generation AI applications on mobile platforms, thereby influencing the direction of mobile technology innovation.
The financial implications for Micron Technology, Inc. from the launch of its enhanced UFS 4.0 mobile solution could be substantial. The mobile storage market is highly competitive and Micron's ability to offer a product with significant improvements in performance, power efficiency and size could capture additional market share, driving revenue growth. The focus on flagship smartphones suggests a targeting of the high-end market segment, which typically yields higher profit margins.
Investors should note that the adoption rate of Micron's solution by smartphone OEMs will be a critical factor in determining the financial success of this product launch. The company's proactive collaboration with OEMs in customer labs to address specific pain points and develop tailored solutions could facilitate quicker integration of its UFS 4.0 solution into new devices, potentially leading to an accelerated revenue stream.
It's also important to consider the R&D and production costs associated with these technological advancements. While the initial investment may be significant, the potential for long-term cost savings through enhanced device longevity and customer loyalty could offset these expenses. The announcement does not mention pricing, but Micron's ability to competitively price its UFS 4.0 solution while maintaining quality will be crucial in a price-sensitive market.
Company extends UFS 4.0 mobile storage leadership with proprietary firmware features to accelerate data-rich experiences
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobile World Congress -- Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) announced today that it is delivering qualification samples of an enhanced version of its Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 4.0 mobile solution with breakthrough proprietary firmware features delivered in the world’s most compact UFS package at 9x13 millimeters (mm). Built on its advanced 232-layer 3D NAND and offering up to 1 terabyte (TB) capacity, the UFS 4.0 solution provides best-in-class performance and end-to-end innovation, enabling faster and more responsive experiences on flagship smartphones.
Micron UFS 4.0 accelerates data-intensive experiences with up to 4300 megabytes per second (MBps) sequential read and 4000 MBps sequential write speed, twice the performance of previous generations.1 With these speeds, users will be able to launch their favorite productivity, creativity, and emerging AI apps more quickly. Large language models in generative AI applications can be loaded
“Micron’s latest UFS 4.0 solution enables world-class storage performance and reduced power in the world’s smallest UFS package,” said Mark Montierth, general manager and corporate vice president of Micron’s Mobile Business Unit. “Supercharged with breakthrough firmware advancements to keep smartphones running like new, Micron UFS 4.0 raises the bar for mobile storage with enhanced performance, flexibility and scalability to accelerate the rollout of generative AI-capable smartphones.”
Compact package design lays the foundation for energy-efficient, ultra-slim smartphones
Since introducing its UFS 4.0 solution last June with an 11x13 mm package, Micron has reduced the footprint for its UFS 4.0 solution to offer the world’s most compact managed NAND package size at 9x13 mm. These significant space savings result in an optimal size for next-generation foldable and ultra-slim smartphone designs and free more real estate for manufacturers to provide a larger battery. In tandem with the solution’s
Micron raises the bar for mobile flash storage with proprietary firmware innovation
This launch builds on Micron’s ramp and high-volume production of UFS 4.0 storage last year with custom firmware updates such as:
- High-Performance Mode (HPM): This proprietary feature optimizes performance during intensive smartphone use by prioritizing critical tasks over background tasks. This results in over
25% improvement in speed when launching multiple applications thanks to twice-as-fast storage access during heavy usage.4 - One Button Refresh (OBR): OBR allows consumers to reap top performance from their devices longer by automatically cleaning and optimizing data so smartphones can continue operating in a like-new state. Users will benefit from faster read/write performance, resulting in
10% faster app launches5, snappy camera roll access and seamless multi-tasking. - Zoned UFS (ZUFS): Micron UFS 4.0 now allows the host to specify different zones where data can be stored, improving the usefulness of the device over time. This ZUFS approach reduces write amplification to maximize the finite cycles of data that devices can program and erase without degrading device performance — ultimately extending the smartphone life span while keeping devices feeling like new for longer.
Micron’s teams of engineers architected these innovative firmware features in its global labs by anticipating emerging use cases, running real-world simulations and collaborating with customers to incorporate feedback. In its joint customer labs across the U.S., China and Korea, Micron works in lockstep with smartphone OEMs to understand critical pain points and develop bespoke solutions to break down these bottlenecks.
Availability
Micron is now shipping samples of its upgraded UFS 4.0 in capacities of 256 gigabytes (GB), 512GB and 1TB. These expansive capacities unlock the benefits of AI by allowing flagship smartphones to accommodate all the data analyzed and generated by on-device AI assistants in addition to users’ growing photo libraries, ensuring greater security versus the cloud. With all their data stored locally, consumers will also benefit from always-on access to their personal data and powerful AI features, even while offline or in places with spotty service.
Resources
Solution page: Ultra-fast UFS
About Micron Technology, Inc.
We are an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership, and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND and NOR memory and storage products through our Micron® and Crucial® brands. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence and 5G applications that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com.
© 2024 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Micron, the Micron logo, and all other Micron trademarks are the property of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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1 As compared to previous-generation UFS 3.1 176-layer NAND
2 As compared to previous-generation UFS 3.1 176-layer NAND
3 As compared to previous-generation UFS 3.1 176-layer NAND
4 As compared to devices with UFS 4.0 without HPM enabled
5 As compared to devices with UFS 4.0 without OBR enabled
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