Despite CXMT’s refusal to lower pricing, Apple is still testing Chinese DRAM. – Apple has made progress in its quest for additional memory supplies. The Wall Street Journal reports that the business is currently testing DRAM from Chinese manufacturer CXMT in a number of products, including MacBooks and iPhones. Additionally, Apple has had preliminary discussions with CXMT on the provision of memory for some devices marketed in China. Prior to proceeding, Apple is requesting assistance from the US government.
The timing is really intriguing. We have discovered that manufacture of the A20 Pro processor, which is anticipated to be found in the iPhone 18 Pro, may already be delayed due to a lack of DRAM. Approximately $1 billion worth of completed chips at TSMC are reportedly awaiting memory before packaging can begin.
More memory is necessary for Apple, not just lower costs.
The iPhone manufacturer had already contacted CXMT as a potential supplier of DRAM, but its attempt to bargain for lower prices did not work out.Prices reported by CXMT were on par with or even more expensive than those of Samsung and SK Hynix. Due to long-term deals with Huawei, Xiaomi, and other Chinese manufacturers, CXMT has no incentive to provide Apple the kind of discount it often demands from suppliers.
If this claim is true, Apple may have given up on obtaining less expensive DRAM in favor of obtaining enough DRAM for the upcoming fall launch window of its iPhone 18 Pro series.
Washington might yet interfere.
It might be difficult to really use CXMT memory, even if Apple is prepared to purchase it at the current pricing. Before proceeding with plans to employ the Chinese supplier in products marketed in China, the company is requesting assistance from the US government. Any agreement would occur during a delicate period for US-China chip ties, and Apple might seek political approval before integrating CXMT components into a device.
After months of enduring higher component costs, Apple has already increased the price of a number of Macs and iPads. Although the iPhone has not yet received the same modification, the iPhone 18 Pro may be the next. The iPhone 18 Pro Max may see a price increase of between $200 and $300, according to a number of analysts, while comparable increases are anticipated for the iPhone 18 Pro.
Additionally, Apple has proactively introduced Apple Upgrade, a new leasing scheme that allows customers to upgrade to the newest iPhone without having to pay the full price up front. Maintaining manufacturing of the iPhone 18 Pro may be more important than keeping costs down if Apple is now looking to CXMT just to obtain enough DRAM for the autumn launch.
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