US tech giant Apple Inc. has reportedly begun technical testing stages for DRAM memory components produced by Chinese firm ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT). This step is specifically intended for electronic devices that will later be marketed in China.
The decision was taken as part of Apple's strategic efforts to seek alternative memory chip suppliers. This policy comes alongside a trend of rising global component prices that press production efficiency. Several sources familiar with internal company plans stated that Apple is one of the US tech entities actively lobbying the government to allow broader access to using CXMT products.
On the other hand, CXMT has now transformed into the backbone of China's artificial intelligence (AI) technology ambitions. Despite recording losses in previous periods, the company is now on a significant recovery path and is projected to go public on China's domestic stock market soon.
Apple CEO Tim Cook previously emphasized the importance of flexibility for the company in securing the chip supply chain. The need for diversification becomes crucial amid supply availability constraints that trigger price escalations in international markets. Reports mention that Apple has submitted an approval request to President Donald Trump's administration to be permitted to enter into a chip procurement partnership with CXMT.
