Apple has approached the Trump administration for clearance to purchase memory chips from CXMT, a Chinese manufacturer currently on the Pentagon's 1260H list. This move addresses a critical supply chain bottleneck that has already forced the company to raise prices on Mac and iPad lines by 17 to 25 percent. Buyers of Apple hardware are feeling the impact of these increases as memory prices have quadrupled over the past three quarters due to intense demand from AI data centers. Securing an additional supplier could help stabilize component availability for future device releases.
Apple seeks US approval to buy memory from blacklisted CXMT
The company currently sources memory from Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix, and adding CXMT would provide a fourth supplier option. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that memory constraints will likely persist for several months, highlighting the urgency of finding alternative sources. The 1260H restriction technically applies to the Defense Department rather than private companies, but proceeding without approval risks damaging federal contracting relationships. Apple has not commented on the report regarding its clearance request.
The request for approval comes as the Trump administration has not indicated whether it will approve the purchase. This uncertainty leaves Apple in a difficult position as it attempts to secure necessary components for its consumer electronics lineup. Apple is managing geopolitical complexities to preserve supply chain stability. Government approval will decide if Apple can officially use CXMT memory chips in its products.
We looked at the last apple update while tracking these supply chain developments and the resulting market adjustments. Apple is actively seeking ways to mitigate the effects of the ongoing memory crisis that has disrupted the broader hardware market. The company's efforts to diversify its supplier base reflect the broader industry challenges posed by AI-driven demand. The case highlights how global tech supply chains are linked and how regulations affect consumer devices.
Source: NotebookCheck
