According to reports from Chinese local media, Apple is considering partnering with Chinese semiconductor manufacturers CXMT and YMTC for its upcoming iPhone 18 series and potentially other products like MacBooks and Mac computers. With memory and storage suppliers such as Kioxia, Samsung, and SK hynix raising prices due to a significant industry shortage, Apple is experiencing a squeeze on its profit margins while maintaining the same MSRP for its products. To diversify its supply chain, Apple is reportedly exploring the addition of DRAM from CXMT and NAND Flash from YMTC to reduce its dependence on South Korean and Japanese suppliers.

Recently, the U.S. Government's Bureau of Industry and Security reportedly removed CXMT and YMTC from the list of restricted Chinese companies. This move could benefit Apple, which may now utilize products from both firms. CXMT offers LPDDR5X and DDR5 memory, which aligns with Apple's needs for its products. Since Apple's iPhones and M-series SoCs primarily use LPDDR5X memory, CXMT's 12 Gb and 16 Gb LPDDR5X capacities could serve both the smartphone and computer sectors effectively.In terms of storage, YMTC could make a significant impact, as the company is producing its fifth-generation 3D NAND memory chips. These chips feature 294 total layers and 232 active layers, according to an analysis by TechInsights. The new chips achieve a bit density of nearly 20 Gb per square millimeter (19.8 Gb/mm²), aligning closely with the current leading NAND Flash manufacturers, effectively integrating into the existing supply chain without any downgrades. If the company decides to utilize both, it could significantly reduce reliance on the current memory and storage manufacturers that dominate the market.