Apple CEO considers Chinese memory chips to address supply crisis

Apple CEO John Turners has characterized the current memory chip shortage as an “absolute crisis,” stating that the company is considering all supply options, including those from China. In an interview with Time magazine, Turners emphasized the need to keep all possibilities on the table to address the constraints in the memory sector caused by surging AI infrastructure demand.

Apple is reportedly testing memory chips from the Chinese manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) as a potential supply chain alternative. This move faces significant opposition from the U.S. government and Congress, with officials expressing concerns that using Chinese components could compromise national security. The U.S. Department of Commerce has previously noted that it is undesirable for major American companies to utilize Chinese memory chips.

To mitigate political friction, Apple leadership is engaging in diplomatic efforts. Turners indicated that the company has met with officials from the Trump administration to seek solutions. Additionally, Executive Chairman Tim Cook is reportedly suggesting a compromise where Chinese-made memory would be used exclusively in devices intended for the Chinese market.