Sony Halts Memory Cards: AI Takes Over Resources

Sony Pauses Its Memory Cards: The Impact of AI

Sony has recently decided to temporarily suspend the sale of the majority of its memory cards, including CFexpress and SD models. This decision stems from a memory shortage exacerbated by the growing demand from the artificial intelligence sector.

The Japanese giant announced the temporary halt of orders for most of its memory cards, affecting both retailers and consumers. The affected models include CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SD cards, as well as the rugged "TOUGH" versions and models aimed at the general public. A few entry-level models are temporarily exempt from this suspension, allowing for the clearance of remaining stock.

AI and Pressure on Production Capacities

For several months, the demand for memory chips has skyrocketed, primarily due to the needs of datacenters dedicated to artificial intelligence. These infrastructures consume enormous amounts of DRAM and NAND storage, the same components used in the SD and CFexpress cards favored by photographers and videographers. In response to this demand, semiconductor manufacturers are prioritizing the production of high-margin enterprise products, such as professional SSDs, at the expense of consumer products.

For Sony, this situation translates into a redirection of memory chips, once destined for its cards, towards AI servers. As a result, the Japanese manufacturer is forced to suspend its storage activities due to insufficient supply. This suspension affects its entire catalog, from high-end CFexpress cards to standard SD models.

A Limited Offering While Awaiting Recovery

In an official statement dated March 27, Sony clarified that this suspension is temporary. The company intends to relaunch these products, although no specific date has been provided. Professional and amateur photographers planning to upgrade their equipment will therefore have to wait for an indefinite period.

However, a few entry-level models remain available for sale, as well as some CFexpress Type B references. These limited stocks, however, are not eternal. Sony's activity in the memory card sector is now operating at a slow pace, awaiting a market rebalancing in the semiconductor industry, which is taking time to materialize.