started · updated
Apple fails to add Chinese CXMT as DRAM supplier for iPhones
Apple has been unable to secure China’s CXMT (ChangXin Memory Technologies) as a new DRAM supplier for upcoming iPhone models. Industry sources say Apple sought lower prices, but CXMT quoted rates comparable to or higher than those of Samsung and SK Hynix. The Chinese memory maker has already committed most of its output to domestic customers such as Huawei and Xiaomi through long‑term contracts, leaving little incentive to offer Apple a discount.
The stalled negotiations reinforce Samsung and SK Hynix’s dominant position in Apple’s supply chain and limit Apple’s ability to pressure those vendors on price. Apple has reportedly asked the U.S. government to permit sourcing DRAM from CXMT and NAND storage from YMTC for products sold outside the United States, but approval is unlikely to reduce the component costs Apple currently faces. The episode highlights a broader memory shortage that is driving up prices for consumer devices worldwide.
Entities
Apple Inc. · CXMT · ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) · Huawei Technologies · Microsoft Corp. · SK Hynix · Samsung Electronics · United States government
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Apple’s leverage over memory suppliers has hit a wall due to limited DRAM supply and high demand. dailyguardian.ae · www.digitaltrends.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Apple approached CXMT as an additional DRAM supplier and asked for lower prices. dailyguardian.ae · www.digitaltrends.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Apple did not add CXMT to its DRAM supplier list for future iPhones. www.go4it.ro
- [● 2 SOURCES] Apple asked the U.S. government to allow it to source DRAM from CXMT and NAND from YMTC for products sold outside the United States. dailyguardian.ae · www.digitaltrends.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] CXMT has long‑term contracts with Chinese manufacturers such as Huawei and Xiaomi, prioritising the Chinese market. www.go4it.ro
- [● 2 SOURCES] CXMT quoted prices comparable to or higher than those of Samsung and SK Hynix. dailyguardian.ae · www.digitaltrends.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Samsung and SK Hynix remain Apple’s dominant DRAM suppliers. dailyguardian.ae · www.go4it.ro · www.digitaltrends.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Consumer DRAM prices have risen sharply, with a DDR4 module that cost about $16 now selling for roughly $84 in India. dailyguardian.ae · www.digitaltrends.com