Apple could be taking a new approach to sourcing memory chips. A new report claims the company is already testing Chinese-made DRAM for future devices, although the components may only be used in products sold within China.
The latest report follows earlier claims that Apple was considering memory chips from Chinese manufacturers ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) and Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC).
Apple reportedly testing CXMT memory
According to the report, Apple has already begun testing DRAM chips from CXMT. However, the company is reportedly planning to limit the use of these chips to Apple devices intended for the Chinese market.
If accurate, this strategy could help Apple strengthen its supply chain in China while avoiding potential political and regulatory concerns in other regions.
Why only China?
The report suggests the decision may be linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China.
Both CXMT and YMTC have been placed on the U.S. Entity List, a list maintained by the U.S. government that identifies companies alleged to have ties to the Chinese military.
While American companies are not completely prohibited from doing business with firms on the Entity List, such partnerships often receive increased scrutiny. By using Chinese-made memory only in products sold within China, Apple may be trying to reduce potential backlash from the U.S. government.
The report notes that it remains unclear how U.S. officials, including the Trump administration, would respond if Apple adopts this approach.
AI demand continues to pressure memory supply
Another reason behind Apple’s reported move could be the growing demand for memory chips.
The report says the ongoing global RAM supply shortage has been driven largely by AI data centers, which continue to consume significant amounts of memory from major non-Chinese suppliers.
As a result, companies are increasingly looking for alternative sources to help secure long-term component supplies.
Apple has been exploring Chinese memory for years
This isn’t the first time Apple has reportedly shown interest in Chinese memory manufacturers.
Back in 2022, reports claimed Apple was evaluating YMTC’s NAND flash storage chips for future products, indicating the company has been monitoring China’s memory industry for several years.
Although Apple has not officially confirmed that it will use Chinese-made DRAM in upcoming devices, the latest report suggests the company is actively testing the technology. Whether those chips eventually make it into commercial products remains to be seen.