Apple has been testing memory chips from Chinese manufacturer CXMT across its product lines, including iPhones and MacBooks, according to multiple reports on August 9, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The company held early talks with CXMT about supplying components, aiming to use these chips in some devices sold specifically in China [1, 3, 4].

This move comes as Apple seeks to mitigate ongoing shortages in the memory chip market, driven in part by the global AI boom increasing demand for semiconductors [1, 3, 4]. While CXMT is not yet an established supplier for Apple, its rapid growth and expanding production capacity have made it an attractive potential partner.

CXMT, based in China, is the country's largest chipmaker by market value and recently soared to fourth place globally in the DRAM market. According to a Counterpoint Research report released on August 4, 2026, CXMT’s revenue surged 716% year-on-year in the second quarter, capturing 7% of the global DRAM market share [2]. Despite this rise, Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron still dominate about 90% of the worldwide memory market [2].

The company was listed on the Shanghai STAR Market on July 27, 2026, becoming the largest A-share stock by market capitalization on its first trading day [2]. CXMT is also considering building a second memory chip plant in Beijing to expand its production capabilities further [1, 3, 4].

Some other laptop makers, including HP and Acer, have already adopted CXMT memory chips for devices sold outside the United States as a way to ease supply constraints [1, 3, 4]. Despite the lack of formal U.S. government restrictions on sourcing from CXMT or similar Chinese makers like Yangtze Memory, some former U.S. officials have expressed opposition to Apple using components from these firms [4].

Reuters could not independently verify Apple’s testing reports, and neither Apple nor CXMT responded to requests for comment [1, 3, 4].

Apple’s talks with CXMT and testing of their chips represent a significant step as the company navigates global supply chain challenges. Further details on whether or when Apple will formally adopt CXMT chips in consumer devices have yet to emerge.