iPhone is unlikely to use Chinese-made memory, U.S. Commerce Secretary takes the lead in expressing opposition

Kuai Technology reported on August 15 that due to rising memory prices and shortages, Apple has to seek to expand supply. Previously, it was reported that they were testing memory from Changxin Technology. However, this has also been opposed by many parties in the United States, and the Minister of Commerce has now expressed his position. According to US media reports, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the Trump administration does not want Apple to purchase memory chips from China. He said in the interview that "other solutions to the memory problem need to be found, but it is not a good idea for a great American company to use Chinese memory chips." Lutnick added that he had "clearly" communicated this position to Apple. The demand for artificial intelligence data centers has led to severe shortages of DRAM and NAND, driving prices up sharply and forcing Apple and other consumer electronics manufacturers to raise product prices. To ease the pressure, Apple has been testing memory chips from Chinese manufacturers Changxin Memory Technology (CXMT) and Yangtze Memory Technology (YMTC), a step that could result in those chips being used in devices sold in China. Some PC makers, including HP and Acer, have begun using CXMT chips in products sold outside the United States. U.S. regulations require companies to obtain a license before sharing product information with Changxin Storage (CXMT) or Yangtze Memory Storage (YMTC). However, the current position is not the final legal restriction, and Apple may continue to use these chips on a limited basis despite the government's clear opposition.