Micron Technology announced at MWC 2024 the arrival of improved versions of their Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 4.0 for mobile devices. The new improved version of UFS 4.0 is smaller at 9×13 mm and holds up to 1 TB of data. It also promises faster speeds and makes flagship smartphones more responsive. The new UFS 4.0 boosts performance with sequential read and write speeds of up to 4,300 and 4,000 megabytes per second (MBps), double that of previous versions.
According to the company, loading large language models into AI applications is now 40% faster, thus improving the user experience when interacting with AI digital companions. Micron has reduced the package size of its UFS 4.0 solution from 11×13 mm to 9×13 mm. This makes it the most compact managed NAND package available. This makes it ideal for foldable and thin smartphones, allowing for larger batteries.
Micron’s UFS 4.0 Storage comes with improved firmware – key benefits
- High Performance Mode (HPM): It prioritizes critical tasks during intensive smartphone use. This results in over 25% faster storage access under heavy usage.
- One-button refresh: Automatically cleans and optimizes data to maintain peak performance. As a result, applications will launch faster, improving multitasking.
- Zoned UFS: Allows data to be stored in different zones. Minimizes recording gain and extends smartphone life.
Collaborative innovation
According to the company, the new technology and firmware features were developed through extensive research. The company works with real-world simulations to get the experience as close as possible to end users. In addition, it works closely with OEMs in laboratories in the US, China and Korea.
Availability
Micron has revealed that samples of the upgraded UFS 4.0 storage standard with capacities of 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB are now ready to ship. Commenting on the launch, Mark Motiert, general manager and corporate vice president of Micron’s mobile business unit, said:
“Micron’s latest UFS 4.0 solution delivers premium storage performance and minimized power consumption in the world’s smallest UFS package. Equipped with innovative firmware upgrades that support peak smartphone performance, Micron UFS 4.0 sets a new standard for mobile storage, offering improved performance, flexibility and scalability to accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled smartphones.”