Apple Tests CXMT DRAM Chips to Gain Pricing Leverage
The global DRAM market is dominated by Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Micron, and Apple has long sourced memory from all three suppliers. China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies, or CXMT, is a major DRAM producer. Its entry into Apple’s supply chain could reshape pricing negotiations while raising questions about US-China technology controls and supply-chain security.
A new report said Apple is testing CXMT DRAM and consulting with the Trump administration to assess the political risks of purchasing the chips. Analysts said the move was intended to push down contract prices from Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. The report did not disclose the testing date, purchase value or volume. CXMT is also accelerating development of bonded DRAM technology for AI servers.
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The history behind this eventApple Lobbies Trump Administration to Approve Purchases of China's CXMT Memory Chips
The expansion of AI data centers is driving demand for high-bandwidth memory, prompting Samsung, SK hynix and Micron to shift capacity toward higher-margin products. Counterpoint Research data show conventional DRAM prices have quadrupled over the past three quarters. Unless Apple can increase local sourcing in China, it risks losing further market share there as it competes with Huawei's in-house chips.
The Financial Times reported on June 27 that Apple had spent more than a month lobbying the U.S. Commerce Department and the White House for approval to use DRAM from ChangXin Memory Technologies, or CXMT, which is on the Defense Department's Section 1260H list. Tim Cook also raised the matter with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. No procurement decision has been finalized. Apple raised prices for products including Macs and iPads by $100 to $500 on June 25.
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