BlockBeats news, on August 9, according to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is testing memory chips from CXMT (ChangXin Memory Technologies) across multiple product lines, including the iPhone and MacBook, and has initiated preliminary supply negotiations with CXMT, aiming to use these chips in certain devices sold in China. Sources familiar with the matter said Apple seeks approval from the White House for this collaboration. As the AI boom has led to tight supply and rising costs for memory chips, Apple is raising prices globally; securing a supply source in China could help alleviate shortages.
Current U.S. regulations prohibit companies from transferring technology to CXMT, including communication of technical details and product specifications, meaning Apple cannot order custom chips from the company but may purchase standardized products and negotiate pricing. Even while complying with these regulations, Apple may still seek support from the Trump administration due to political considerations. Using standardized chips could also force Apple to redesign certain products.
CXMT's production capacity has nearly reached full utilization this year, leaving limited room for new international customers. HP and Acer have already used small amounts of CXMT chips in devices sold outside the U.S. and are seeking to secure additional supply for next year. Prices for some of CXMT’s products have reached parity with those of Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung, with certain products even higher. The company’s second-quarter revenue increased more than eightfold year-over-year, accounting for 7% of the global DRAM market by revenue, and it plans to more than double its capacity by 2028.