Apple Tests Chinese Memory Chips for iPhones and MacBooks
TL;DR. Apple is evaluating memory chips from China's CXMT for its iPhones and MacBooks, seeking White House approval amidst U.S. restrictions. - Standout: CXMT's memory is being considered for core Apple products. - Caveat: U.S. export rules restrict tech transfer, potentially forcing Apple to use standard parts. - Availability: CXMT reportedly at max production, prioritizing domestic buyers.
- Apple is testing memory chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) for use in iPhones and MacBooks.
- The evaluation requires a potential sign-off from the White House due to U.S. export restrictions on technology transfer to CXMT.
- Using standard CXMT parts could necessitate hardware redesign or impact performance, as Apple typically custom-configures memory.
- CXMT is reportedly at production capacity, primarily serving domestic customers, and its prices are competitive with established players.
Sources
- Apple Testing Chinese Memory Chips in iPhones and MacBooks — macrumors.com
- qz.com — qz.com