Micron is developing the next generation of NAND Flash OLC memories that will offer 8 NAND levels for higher data density.
In May 2018, Micron introduced the four-stage NAND (QLC) technology, and surprisingly shares fell to a price level below $30. This is due to the complex levels of NAND storage costs and supply and demand factors, not just the introduction of QLC technology. Micron now intends to launch its Octa-Level (OLC) NAND storage either in the first quarter or at the latest in the second quarter of 2019.
“Micron is aware of the article published on 8 February in Wccftech and confirms that its content is invented. The company will not make any further comments. Micron is a global leader in storage and storage solutions and will continue to drive innovation that brings value to our customers. “
However, Wccftech appears to have a new source confirming this information and assuring that a Micron partner has informed them that they plan to announce NAND Flash OLC storage in the first half of 2019, confirming the accuracy of the information.
Currently, the NAND Flash OLC memory has not even been announced as such, so the source is revealing not only its existence but also its estimated release date.
Micron’s NAND Flash OLC technology provides 8 bits per cell for a 100% increase over QLC (per cell) and is the first technology to essentially contain 1 byte per cell. This increase in density is something far beyond Moore’s Law (assuming cell size doesn’t increase too much) and is a stimulus for the industry and forces competition to develop something similar. The increasing data density at constant size should also improve SSD prices and lead to solid hard disks with higher capacity.