Apple Testing CXMT Memory Chips for iPhone and MacBook
Taylor Wilson
Apple is testing memory chips from CXMT (长鑫存储), China's largest DRAM maker, across its iPhone and MacBook lines to ease an AI-driven parts shortage — a sign that Chinese domestic memory is pushing into the world's most guarded supply chain.
What is Apple testing, and why?
Apple has begun product-level testing of chips from CXMT (长鑫存储, ticker 688825), China's largest DRAM manufacturer, covering both the iPhone and MacBook lines.
The driver is straightforward: the AI boom has strained global memory supply. Incumbent suppliers — Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron — are stretched, and Apple needs another option.
This means → Apple is not making a political gesture toward Chinese chips. It is solving a practical supply bottleneck — whoever can deliver reliably gets a shot at the supply chain.
How far have talks progressed?
People familiar with the matter say the two sides have held preliminary discussions on a supply deal. The initial target: using CXMT chips in some devices sold in China.
Neither Apple nor CXMT responded to requests for comment. Reuters said it could not immediately verify the Wall Street Journal's report.
In plain terms = this is still at the "testing + negotiation" stage. Volume production is not confirmed, and the outcome hinges on further talks.
Is Apple CXMT's only potential customer?
No. The same report notes that HP and Acer are already shipping devices with CXMT memory chips in markets outside China.
Reuters previously reported exclusively that CXMT is considering a second factory in Beijing to expand capacity.
This reflects a broader pattern — CXMT is pushing into both the PC and smartphone supply chains simultaneously, while expanding production capacity ahead of demand.
Why does this matter?
Apple's quality bar is the most demanding in consumer electronics. Even a "test" signals that CXMT chips are approaching the performance threshold Apple would consider.
But technology is not the only variable: U.S. export controls on Chinese semiconductors continue to tighten, and CXMT is already on the sanctions watch list. Geopolitical compliance risk is a factor Apple must weigh before any final decision.
In plain terms = passing the tech bar is gate one; clearing the policy bar is gate two. CXMT enters Apple's volume supply chain only if both gates open.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.