Apple talks – Apple is reportedly in talks to source RAM from ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc. and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., both tied to a U.S. Department of Defense list of Chinese companies believed to support Beijing’s military—an effort driven by a global memor
Apple’s hunt for new RAM suppliers is running straight into U.S. politics.
A global memory shortage has Apple looking at alternate sources, and talks are reportedly underway with ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc. and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co.—companies that sit on a Department of Defense list of Chinese firms believed to support Beijing’s military. That alone is likely to draw scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, even if nothing has been sealed yet.
Bloomberg reports the discussions are still ongoing and nothing is final. Apple’s aim is practical: reduce the impact of a global memory shortage that recently pushed the company to increase prices across its hardware lineup.
The political tightrope runs even narrower because the companies in question are not abstract names on a supply contract. They are already linked to national security concerns through the Department of Defense list, and Apple would be entering work with firms that carry that baggage.
Outgoing CEO Tim Cook. who is set to step down in September. is said to have appealed to the Trump administration— including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Even if Apple doesn’t technically need formal approval. the company would likely seek it anyway. aiming to avoid blowback from working with blacklisted entities.
This isn’t Apple’s first brush with the problem. The company previously attempted to buy Chips from YMTC, specifically for iPhones to be sold in China. At the time, Marco Rubio—the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee—warned Apple was “playing with fire.”
Apple RAM suppliers ChangXin Memory Technologies Yangtze Memory Technologies YMTC global memory shortage Tim Cook Scott Bessent Marco Rubio U.S. lawmakers cybersecurity and national security semiconductor supply chain
So Apple is basically trying to dodge sanctions?? That’s wild.
I don’t get it, if there’s a memory shortage then just buy from whoever. Why is it always politics with everything Apple does. Tim Cook probably already knows the answers, lol.
Wait, I thought Apple already makes RAM in-house? Like they design it and ship it. If not, then how is this any different than them “buying Chips” before? Feels like Rubio is just throwing shade for clicks.
This sounds like they’re working with “Chinese military” stuff but calling it supply chain logistics. Also they’re blaming a memory shortage but raising prices anyway… love that for customers. Apple should just stop messing around and tell us they can’t get components without the government involved.