Apple is evaluating memory chips from China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies for use in products that include iPhones and MacBooks. The company faces a global DRAM shortage driven by artificial intelligence demand that is squeezing supply for consumer electronics.
Apple has started preliminary discussions with CXMT about supplying components. The goal is to put those chips into devices sold in China. The manufacturer sits on a Pentagon blacklist over alleged ties to China’s military, so Apple is seeking White House approval to do business with it.
Memory Costs Rise as AI Takes Most of the Supply
Tim Cook has described the memory shortage as unsustainable. In a June interview he said price increases on Apple products were unavoidable because of surging costs. “We’re doing our best to mitigate the huge increases that are being passed to us, and we’ve been trying to shield our customers from the increases, but the situation has become unsustainable,” Cook said.
Industry estimates show about 70 percent of the memory chips produced in 2026 going to AI data centers. That leaves consumer electronics makers competing for what’s left. PC DRAM prices roughly doubled in the first quarter of 2026. It was the steepest quarterly jump the memory industry has recorded.
iPhone 18 Pro Launch Faces Supply Limits
The shortage is already affecting Apple’s next phones. TSMC has improved yields on the A20 Pro chip made with its N2 process, yet wafers are stacking up while they wait for DRAM to be packaged with them. Apple is working to lock in supply from Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung. At the same time it is exploring Chinese options that include CXMT.
Reports indicate Apple plans to launch only Pro models at its September event. That means the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable device will carry the full weight of early demand.
Political Pushback in Washington
Apple’s talks with CXMT have drawn bipartisan opposition. In late July senators demanded that Cook commit by August 21 not to use memory chips from CXMT or fellow Chinese chipmaker YMTC. Micron has warned the move could undermine the domestic memory industry.
Apple has proposed limiting Chinese chips to products sold outside the United States. The political fight remains unresolved while the company races to secure enough supply for its fall launches.