Aug 9 — Apple is testing memory chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) across several product lines, including the iPhone and MacBook, and has held initial supply talks with the Chinese chipmaker, according to the Wall Street Journal. The goal is to use the chips in some devices sold in China.
People familiar with the matter said Apple wants White House approval for the tie-up. As the AI boom tightens memory supply and pushes up costs, Apple has been raising prices globally. A Chinese supply source could help ease the shortage.
Current US rules bar companies from transferring technology to CXMT, including technical details and product specifications. That means Apple cannot order custom chips from the company. It can, however, buy standardized products and negotiate on price. Even while complying with the rules, Apple may still seek support from the Trump administration over political concerns. Using standardized chips could also force Apple to redesign some products.
CXMT's capacity is running near full this year, leaving limited room for new international customers. HP and Acer have already used small volumes of CXMT chips in devices sold outside the US, and are seeking to lock in more supply for next year.
Some CXMT products are now priced on par with offerings from Micron, SK Hynix and Samsung — a few are even more expensive. The company's second-quarter revenue grew more than eightfold year over year, giving it roughly 7% of the global DRAM market by revenue. It plans to more than double capacity from current levels by 2028.