Apple has been testing memory chips produced by China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) for use across products including iPhones and MacBooks, as the technology giant explores ways to ease component shortages linked to surging demand from artificial intelligence, according to a report on Sunday.
Apple has also held preliminary discussions with CXMT about potentially supplying memory components for some devices sold in China, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The discussions come as the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and data centres puts increasing pressure on global supplies of memory chips used across consumer electronics and computing equipment.
No supply agreement has been confirmed, and the report could not immediately be independently verified. Apple and CXMT did not immediately comment on the matter.
CXMT, one of China’s leading memory-chip manufacturers, has meanwhile been considering construction of a second production facility in Beijing as it seeks to expand manufacturing capacity.
Any move by Apple to source memory chips from CXMT would mark a significant development in its supply-chain strategy as the company seeks to secure components amid tightening global availability.