A global memory shortage is pushing Apple to consider alternate RAM suppliers. In all likelihood, this will draw scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers.
The companies in question are ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc. and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. The companies are on a Department of Defense list of Chinese companies believed to support Beijing's military.
According to Bloomberg, talks are still ongoing and nothing is final yet. However, Apple's goal is to reduce the impact of a global memory shortage, which recently caused the company to increase prices across its hardware lineup.
Outgoing CEO Tim Cook, who is set to step down in September, has appealed to the Trump administration, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Technically, Apple doesn't need formal approval; the company would likely seek it to avoid any blowback from working with blacklisted entities.
Apple previously attempted to buy Chips from YMTC, specifically for iPhones to be sold in China. At the time, Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Apple was "playing with fire."
