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Apple does not hide that rising memory prices and component shortages are prompting the company to seek new suppliers. During a conference on its financial results, the manufacturer admitted it is still considering the possibility of working with Chinese companies that produce DRAM and NAND memory. The declaration comes despite growing pressure from U.S. politicians. Some senators openly oppose such a move and are calling on Apple to abandon these plans. The company says, however, that no final decision has been made yet. All options are still under review.
Apple seeks new memory suppliers and points to benefits for the supply chain
At a conference, Apple said that the cost of purchasing memory has been steadily rising quarter over quarter. The company admitted that in March it paid more for memory than at the end of the previous year, and in June prices rose even further. According to the maker, further price increases are also expected in September. In response to analysts' questions, Apple confirmed it is still considering sourcing memory from Chinese manufacturers CXMT and YMTC. The company says such cooperation could primarily improve the stability of component supplies. Apple also notes that the impact on prices remains difficult to determine definitively. The manufacturer stresses, however, that it is evaluating all available supply sources. According to earlier media reports, Apple is already testing DRAM produced by CXMT. There were also reports that the company is in talks with the U.S. administration about possible approval to use these components. According to unofficial reports, memory from the Chinese manufacturers would be used only in devices sold on the Chinese market. Apple has not, however, confirmed details about any potential rollout. For now the company limits itself to saying it is analyzing all possible options.
Apple’s plans face criticism from U.S. senators
The possibility of working with Chinese memory manufacturers is generating increasing controversy in the United States. Some U.S. senators have called on Apple to abandon plans involving CXMT and YMTC entirely. Lawmakers also expect disclosure of any potential technological cooperation between the companies. According to reports, Apple is to present its position on the matter by August 21. The opposition stems in part from security concerns and ties between some Chinese firms and the country’s military sector. Despite this, Apple did not indicate any change in its approach at the conference. The company continues to emphasize that it is evaluating all options to improve memory availability. Rising component prices mean that diversifying suppliers is becoming increasingly important for the manufacturer. So far Apple has not announced a final decision. More information may emerge in the coming months as talks with U.S. authorities develop. The company currently maintains that the process of analyzing potential suppliers is ongoing.
Apple has not ruled out using memory from Chinese manufacturers, though those plans have met strong opposition from U.S. politicians. For now, the company emphasizes it is exploring every option to improve its supply chain and has not yet made a final decision.
source: wccftech
