Samsung Electronics recorded a record profit of $80 billion, a figure that reflects the explosive demand for artificial‑intelligence chips that power the next generation of computing.

The figure, released by the South Korean conglomerate, tops the company’s previous high of $73 billion in the 2025 fiscal year. It comes as the firm’s advanced semiconductor plants deliver chips that run large‑language models and other AI workloads for global tech firms.

Samsung’s surge is driven by the AI chip boom and the launch of its fold‑able phones in August, which analysts say could add another stream of revenue. “Samsung’s leap to a record profit underscores the growing dominance of AI‑driven chip demand,” the company’s quarterly report noted.

Samsung’s leap to a record profit underscores the growing dominance of AI‑driven chip demand.

Inside the factory, workers assemble 5‑nanometre wafers that feed Nvidia and other AI‑hardware clients. The process requires a steady supply of high‑purity silicon and precise lithography equipment, and Samsung’s investment in its own foundry has kept it ahead of rivals.

In a statement, Samsung’s chief executive said the company was “optimistic about the continued rise in demand for AI chips” and that the new foldable line would help diversify earnings in a market that is tightening around traditional smartphone sales.

Samsung is not the only player seeing a boom. Nvidia’s GPUs, which dominate AI training, have seen a surge in orders, while TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor foundry, has increased capacity for 3‑nanometre chips. The trend reflects a shift in computing toward specialised hardware that can handle large datasets more efficiently than general‑purpose processors.

Historically, Samsung’s semiconductor division has been a bellwether for the global chip market. The company’s early entry into 7‑nanometre and 5‑nanometre fabrication technology positioned it to meet the new demand for AI accelerators. Analysts point out that the firm’s ability to scale production quickly has been critical as AI workloads grow.

Looking ahead, Samsung plans to roll out a 3‑nanometre chip line later this year, which could further boost its margins. The company also expects its foldable devices to capture a growing niche among consumers who want larger displays without bulk.

For the wider tech industry, Samsung’s record profit signals a broader shift toward hardware that supports AI. Companies that rely on AI for services—cloud providers, social media platforms, and autonomous‑vehicle manufacturers—are likely to keep pushing for higher performance chips, keeping the cycle of innovation and investment in motion.