Apple reportedly testing CXMT memory chips for devices in China

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Apple is reportedly testing DRAM memory chips made by the Chinese semiconductor company ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) for use in devices marketed in the Chinese market.

Citing an Engadget report on Wednesday (8 July) local time, Apple is said to have entered the testing stage for CXMT-made memory chips in a number of its devices.

At the same time, the United States technology giant is also reported to be seeking approval from the US government to use the memory chips.

In regulatory terms, Apple is not prohibited from forging business cooperation with companies on the 1260H list. However, the company could potentially face political pressure should it proceed with the plan without the backing of the US government.

The report said Apple contacted the US government in late May or early June to discuss the use of CXMT products and leveraged its communications network in Washington to obtain approval from the White House.

In mid-June, the administration of US President Donald Trump postponed adding CXMT and several other Chinese companies, including DeepSeek, to the list in order to avoid escalating tensions with Beijing.

However, the latest list published by the US Department of Defense now includes CXMT.

CXMT is now said to be the world’s fourth-largest DRAM producer after Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.

The company is also reported to have at least 15 state-owned shareholders, with most of its investment funding supported by partners with ties to the Chinese government.

A partnership with CXMT is seen as potentially helping Apple overcome ongoing memory supply challenges.

Apple currently sources its DRAM from Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix, yet the company has still raised prices on a number of iPad and Mac products due to component shortages.