New Memory Contracts: Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron Shift to Post-Settlement Pricing and Shorter Terms

Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are shifting to post-settlement pricing and shorter-term contracts as DRAM and NAND prices surge, altering the balance of power in the memory industry. Under the new model, suppliers can recalculate and invoice price differentials after delivery, while supply agreements are moving from multi-year to single-quarter or even monthly resets. This favors suppliers by locking in price flexibility amid continued tight supply and strong price upside. The change is primarily impacting major North American tech buyers and is expected to remain prevalent through mid-2026. Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung are also tightening customer screening and order transparency to prevent over-ordering and further market imbalance. Apple, typically locked into long-term agreements, may secure prices only through mid-2026, creating pricing flexibility for its upcoming iPhone 18 in late 2026.