WSJ: HP and Acer have used ChangXin Memory Technologies chips in devices sold outside the U.S., and are seeking to lock in more supplies for next year.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is testing storage chips from Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) across multiple product lines including iPhones and MacBooks, and has entered preliminary supply negotiations with the Chinese chipmaker, aiming to use the chips in some devices sold in China. Sources familiar with the matter said Apple seeks the White House’s approval for the collaboration. Against the backdrop of the AI boom driving tight storage chip supplies and rising costs, Apple has been raising product prices globally; securing a supply source in China could help ease shortages. Current U.S. regulations prohibit companies from transferring technology to CXMT, including sharing technical details and product specifications, so Apple cannot actually order custom chips from the firm, though it can purchase standardized products and negotiate prices. Even if complying with the rules, Apple may still seek support from the Trump administration due to political considerations. Using standardized chips could also force Apple to redesign some products. CXMT’s production capacity is nearly at full load this year, leaving limited room for new international clients. HP and Acer have already used small quantities of CXMT chips in devices sold outside the U.S., and are looking to lock in more supplies next year. Some of CXMT’s product prices are on par with Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung, while certain items are even higher. The company’s second-quarter revenue surged over 8-fold year-over-year, holding a 7% share of the global DRAM market by revenue, and plans to expand its production capacity to more than double current levels by 2028.