Apple Tests Chinese Memory Chips as Supply Squeeze Bites
Apple is testing memory chips from China's CXMT as a severe supply squeeze threatens upcoming iPhone and MacBook production.
Questions people are asking
Why is Apple testing Chinese memory chips?
Apple is testing chips from CXMT as a supply squeeze and RAM shortage impact the assembly of devices like the iPhone 18 Pro and MacBooks.
Which devices are affected by the memory shortage?
Coverage indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro, MacBooks, and a foldable iPhone face potential production constraints and rapid sell-outs.
Has CXMT agreed to supply chips to Apple?
Coverage does not confirm a supply agreement, noting that CXMT has reportedly rejected negotiations.
What happened
Apple faces a critical memory crunch that threatens to constrain production and sales for upcoming flagship devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro and a planned foldable iPhone. According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal and Reuters, the company is testing memory chips from Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) for use in iPhones and MacBooks as it scrambles to secure necessary DRAM components.
The supply squeeze is actively impacting assembly lines, serving as a negative indicator for device availability and pointing to potential inventory shortages that could cause devices to sell out rapidly upon release. Outlets including AppleInsider, MacRumors, and TechPowerUp report that RAM supply issues are directly holding up iPhone 18 Pro assembly.
However, testing new memory components does not guarantee a finalized partnership or immediate supply relief. Reports indicate that CXMT has reportedly rejected negotiations amid the broader industry scramble for DRAM.
Synthesized by Newsylist from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 53m ago.
The reporting (5)
- Apple Scrambles for DRAM, CXMT Reportedly Rejects Negotiations techpowerup.com · 2h ago
- RAM supply holding up iPhone 18 Pro assembly is another bad sign AppleInsider · 2h ago
- iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable iPhone Could Sell Out Fast Due to Memory Shortage MacRumors · 2h ago
- Apple tests China's CXMT memory chips for iPhones and MacBooks, WSJ reports reuters.com · 2h ago
- Apple Tests Chinese Memory Chips as Supply Squeeze Bites WSJ · 2h ago broke it first
Velocity
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
People, places & organizations
Topics
From around our network
- Why Mosquito Bites Itch More at Night daybreakwire.com
- Why Apple TV’s Star-Studded Crime Thriller Is Struggling to Retain Viewers world-today-news.com
Related trends
Here Are The Best-Selling Switch 1 & 2 Games As Of June 2026
Nintendo reports a massive profit spike driven by tariff refunds alongside continued hardware sales.
Telegram says app restored on Apple's App Store
Telegram is back on the Apple App Store globally following a sudden, unexplained disappearance.
DeepSeek's new AI model is by far the cheapest of well-known models to run, research firm says
DeepSeek's new artificial intelligence model emerges as the least expensive among major competitors to operate.
Spotify Rolls Out New Personalized Running Features For Premium Users
Spotify Premium users gain access to a new Running Mode, featuring customizable playlists and coaching functionality synced to workout pace.
Microsoft is rolling out big Windows 11 improvements in August and here’s everything you should know
Microsoft prepares a major Windows 11 update for August featuring accessibility enhancements and critical fixes following recent system outages.
Apple Upgrade Program Will Let You Lease an iPhone Without Sticker Shock
Apple is launching a new leasing model for iPhones and additional products via a partnership with Klarna.