Apple is testing memory chips made by Chinese company CXMT for use in several product lines, including iPhones and MacBooks, Report informs, citing The Wall Street Journal.
According to the newspaper, the US company is looking for ways to deal with a global shortage caused by the artificial intelligence boom.
Apple has held preliminary talks with CXMT on possible chip supplies for devices sold in the Chinese market and intends to seek White House approval before reaching any deal with the Chinese company.
The move comes as Apple raises product prices worldwide, citing a sharp increase in memory chip costs due to strong demand from AI companies. Supplies from a Chinese manufacturer could give Apple an additional way to offset these expenses.
US federal rules prohibit American companies from sharing technologies with CXMT, including technical specifications needed to produce specialized chips used by Apple. However, the rules allow purchases of ready-made CXMT components and price negotiations.
CXMT's production capacity for 2026 is already fully booked, limiting its ability to take on new customers.