Core Viewpoint - The storage market is experiencing a rare price increase across all segments, driven by the growing demand for AI servers and high-density storage, leading to a tightening of upstream capacity and healthier inventory levels [2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - NAND manufacturers' decisions on next-generation technology routes are becoming increasingly critical, as any lead or lag will directly impact cost and performance competition over the next two to three years [3]. - SK Hynix has made a disruptive decision to introduce hybrid bonding at the 300-layer NAND node, a technology previously expected to be implemented only after reaching 400 layers [5]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with Samsung Electronics pushing for 400+ layer V10 NAND and Kioxia applying hybrid bonding technology in its 218-layer BiCS 3D NAND, achieving a 59% increase in bit density and a 33% improvement in NAND interface speed [5][6]. Group 2: Technological Shifts - The necessity for hybrid bonding is increasing as NAND layer counts rise, with traditional single-chip manufacturing architectures facing systemic bottlenecks beyond 300 layers [8]. - Hybrid bonding allows for separate manufacturing of storage unit wafers and peripheral circuit wafers, significantly reducing the thermal burden on peripheral circuits and enabling independent advancements in both areas [8][10]. - Kioxia's CBA technology and Samsung's CoP architecture demonstrate the advantages of hybrid bonding, achieving higher I/O speeds and improved power efficiency [11][12]. Group 3: Competitive Strategies - Samsung's aggressive dual-track strategy aims to lead in both high-layer stacking and hybrid bonding technology, although it faces significant manufacturing challenges [15]. - Kioxia's more cautious approach focuses on gradual advancements and cost control through partnerships, with plans to produce over 1000-layer 3D NAND by 2031 [16]. - Yangtze Memory Technologies has leveraged its early adoption of hybrid bonding technology to expand capacity amid a market contraction, positioning itself favorably against competitors [17]. Group 4: Industry Trends - The surge in enterprise SSD demand, driven by AI model growth, is pushing NAND manufacturers to rapidly enhance capacity and technology to seize market opportunities [20]. - The traditional PUC architecture is reaching its limits, necessitating a shift to hybrid bonding as a required option rather than a choice [24]. - The upcoming years are critical for SK Hynix as it aims to convert existing production capacity to V9 while advancing V10 development, highlighting the urgency of technological upgrades [25]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The breakthrough of hybrid bonding technology instills confidence in NAND manufacturers to pursue ultra-high layer counts, with Samsung and Kioxia setting ambitious goals for 1000-layer NAND development [27]. - Achieving 1000-layer stacking will require overcoming significant engineering challenges, including deep aspect ratio etching and maintaining reliability while compressing thickness [28][29]. - The industry is exploring various paths for expansion, including logical, physical, and performance enhancements, indicating that future NAND development will focus on a comprehensive optimization of layers, architecture, materials, and processes [38].