Apple is testing CXMT chips for sales in China; HP and Acer are using CXMT chips in overseas devices.

Huo Xing Finance reports that 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 say Apple seeks approval from the White House for this collaboration. Amid growing demand and rising costs for memory chips driven by the AI boom, Apple has been raising prices globally; securing a supply source in China could help alleviate shortages. U.S. regulations currently prohibit companies from transferring technology to CXMT, including sharing technical details or product specifications, meaning Apple cannot order customized chips from the company but may purchase standardized products and negotiate pricing. Even while complying with these rules, Apple may still seek support from the Trump administration due to political implications. Using standardized chips could also require Apple to redesign certain products. CXMT’s production capacity is already nearing full utilization this year, leaving limited room for new international customers. HP and Acer have already incorporated small quantities of CXMT chips into devices sold outside the U.S. and are seeking to secure larger supplies for next year. Prices for some of CXMT’s products have reached parity with those of Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung, with certain items 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 production capacity by 2028.