Apple is reportedly seeking permission from the Trump administration to purchase memory chips from blacklisted Chinese semiconductor company ChangXin Memory Technologies, commonly known as CXMT.
The request comes as the iPhone maker faces rising memory-chip costs linked to strong demand from the artificial intelligence industry.
Apple Shares Rise in Premarket Trading
Apple shares gained around 0.4% to trade near $285.10 in premarket trading.
The stock had already climbed 3.1% on Friday, closing the session at $283.78.
Investors are closely monitoring how rising component costs could affect Apple’s pricing, profit margins and global supply chain.
Apple Seeks Approval to Purchase CXMT Chips
According to the Financial Times, Apple has contacted the White House, the US Commerce Department and other administration officials in recent weeks.
The company is reportedly seeking government approval to source memory chips from CXMT, China’s largest memory-chip manufacturer.
However, no final decision on Apple’s request has been announced.
AI Demand Pushes Memory-Chip Prices Higher
Apple’s efforts come as prices for DRAM and NAND memory chips continue to rise.
DRAM is commonly used for short-term data processing, while NAND memory is used for long-term storage in devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers.
Rapid investment in artificial intelligence data centres has sharply increased demand for both types of memory.
As a result, consumer electronics companies are facing higher production costs across a wide range of products.
US Chip Restrictions Complicate Apple’s Supply Chain
The discussions highlight the difficult position facing large US technology companies.
Washington is tightening restrictions on Chinese semiconductor manufacturers. At the same time, AI-related demand is creating shortages and driving memory-chip prices higher.
Apple must therefore balance US national security rules against the need to secure affordable components for its devices.
Adding CXMT as a supplier could help Apple reduce costs and diversify its memory-chip supply chain. However, the company would first need approval from US authorities.
CXMT Faces US Trade Restrictions
CXMT has been identified by the Pentagon as a Chinese military company.
The chipmaker has also been approved for inclusion on the US Commerce Department’s Entity List.
Companies placed on the Entity List face strict restrictions on access to American goods, technology and software.
US businesses generally require a government licence to trade with listed companies. Such applications are often reviewed under a policy that assumes approval will be denied.
Apple Raises MacBook and iPad Prices
The report follows Apple’s decision to increase prices on selected MacBook and iPad models.
The company cited higher memory and storage costs, which it said had become increasingly difficult to absorb.
Artificial intelligence infrastructure spending has contributed to the price increases by creating intense competition for advanced chips and memory components.
Apple’s attempt to source chips from CXMT shows how the AI investment boom is affecting not only technology companies but also the cost of everyday consumer devices.
Rising Chip Costs Put Pressure on Apple
Securing lower-cost memory supplies could help Apple protect its profit margins and limit further product price increases.
However, purchasing chips from CXMT could attract political scrutiny because of the company’s links to China and its restricted status in the United States.
Apple’s request will therefore be closely watched as Washington considers whether economic and supply-chain concerns should outweigh restrictions placed on Chinese semiconductor companies.
