Samsung

Samsung invested $231 million in Dutch AI chipmaker Euclyd’s Series A funding round, co-led by EQT and others. Euclyd is developing a novel AI chip system designed for inference, distinct from GPUs, aiming to reduce energy consumption and costs. This move reflects a growing industry trend towards proprietary AI processors, challenging Nvidia’s dominance and driven by the increasing demand for AI infrastructure. Euclyd plans to offer hardware and licensing, with chip systems expected by 2028.

Samsung is accelerating its foldable strategy, launching the new Galaxy Z Fold8 series to attract users, including a significant increase from iOS. This move counters Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable market. Samsung’s focus on innovative design, multitasking features, and improved data transfer for iPhone users aims to solidify its leadership, despite Apple’s projected strong market share.

Samsung is partnering with Mistral AI to integrate on-premises artificial intelligence into its semiconductor manufacturing. This collaboration, announced at a state summit, will leverage Mistral’s software, including the Mistral Large model, to create specialized AI for intelligent factory operations. The aim is to enhance efficiency, precision in defect detection, and accelerate development cycles, ultimately stabilizing production yields. Samsung also invested in Mistral AI’s funding round, solidifying a commitment to co-innovation.

ASML’s $400 million High NA EUV lithography machines are set to transform chip manufacturing. Samsung and TSMC have committed to adopting this advanced technology, with Samsung targeting DRAM production by 2028 and TSMC anticipating demand driven by AI applications. This move is crucial for denser transistors and improved performance, and is seen as a strong indicator of ASML’s future growth. Collaboration on next-generation photomask technology is also underway.

Samsung Electronics announced a massive shareholder return package, projected between 90-110 trillion won in 2026, the largest ever by a Korean company. This initiative aims to boost investor value amidst strong AI-driven demand for memory chips and intense competition with SK Hynix in the HBM market. The plan includes interim cash dividends and future distributions via dividends or buybacks.

Samsung is entering the smart glasses market with intuitive gesture controls and a focus on productivity, challenging Meta’s dominance. Developed with fashion partners and powered by Snapdragon, these premium devices capture user vision, transcribe notes, and summarize messages. Integration with other wearables like smartwatches is planned. While pricing is undisclosed, Samsung aims for a premium position, potentially between $600-$700. Analysts anticipate fierce competition, emphasizing Samsung’s need to prove compelling use cases beyond hardware.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold8 Series, including the Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8, in London on July 22, 2026. The new lineup features price increases due to rising component costs. The Fold8 introduces a new form factor with a 4:3 aspect ratio screen, aiming to enhance content consumption and differentiate from competitors like Apple, whose foldable iPhone is also anticipated in 2026.

Jim Cramer observed a Wall Street trading session reminiscent of “the old days,” with a rebound in tech giants like Google, Meta, and Apple, following Samsung’s earnings report. While Samsung’s shares dipped, signaling potential demand softening, investors shifted capital towards these established megacaps and enterprise software providers, potentially seeking value beyond the concentrated AI supply chain narrative.

Samsung’s shares plunged 8% despite exceeding Nvidia and Apple’s profits, as investors reacted negatively to AI demand not meeting sky-high expectations. This sentiment triggered a broader sell-off in semiconductor stocks globally. Concerns about the sustainability of AI spending relative to rising memory chip prices, coupled with geopolitical shifts in chip supply chains, contributed to the market downturn. Major memory chip manufacturers and related ETFs saw significant declines.

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix stock prices fell after reports revealed plans for combined investments exceeding $1.3 trillion over the next decade. These significant strategic announcements, potentially including semiconductor fabrication, AI data centers, and advanced chip technologies, aim to solidify their leadership in the rapidly growing AI hardware market. The investments underscore a broader industry trend towards long-term capital allocation for future dominance.