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Apple‑Micron clash over Chinese memory chips

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-07-26 10:26 UTC → 2026-07-27 02:35 UTC · added removed

In early July 2026 Apple began talks with Chinese memory‑semiconductor firms CXMT and YMTC to diversify its supply amid a global component shortage and rising AI‑driven demand. Both companies appear on the U.S. Department of Defense blacklist, prompting Apple to seek clearance from the Trump administration. By late July the effort sparked a dispute with U.S. memory‑chip leader Micron, which urged officials to block the plan, citing threats to the domestic supply chain and national‑security interests. Apple countered that Micron’s pricing was gouging and that Chinese chips were needed to curb soaring memory costs for Macs Macs, iPads and iPads. iPhones. The companies presented their arguments to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Micron pledged a $250 billion investment to expand U.S. memory manufacturing, aligning with Trump’s reshoring agenda, while Apple highlighted its $600 billion American Manufacturing Program. On 25 July 2026 Apple formally requested U.S. officials continued approval to weigh consumer‑price pressures against strategic independence, underscoring source DRAM and NAND from CXMT and YMTC for devices sold outside the broader chip‑war dynamics United States, arguing the move would mitigate a memory shortage projected to last through 2027 and potential impacts keep iPhone prices down. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and other executives met with Trump‑administration officials, warning that permitting Chinese chips could erode the domestic semiconductor base and noting the firms’ placement on Apple’s production costs U.S. blacklists. Apple CEO Tim Cook also met President Trump and product availability worldwide. White House staff to press the price‑stability case. U.S. officials continue to balance consumer‑price pressures with national‑security and domestic‑industry considerations.

Versions

  1. 2026-07-27 02:35 UTC Apple‑Micron clash over Chinese memory chips
  2. 2026-07-26 10:26 UTC Apple‑Micron clash over Chinese memory chips

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