Apple is currently testing memory chips from China's ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) for potential use across various product lines, including iPhones and MacBooks, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 9th (local time), citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to the WSJ, sources said Apple has held early discussions with CXMT regarding parts supply, with the goal of using the components in products sold within China.

Apple has repeatedly voiced challenges regarding rising memory prices and previously requested the Donald Trump administration to allow the use of Chinese memory products for devices sold outside the United States.

However, members of the U.S. federal legislature, spanning both parties, have expressed negative stances regarding Apple's attempts to use Chinese chips.

Currently, CXMT is included on the Department of Defense's "1260H list" of companies designated as supporting the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

While inclusion on this list does not entail immediate legal sanctions, it restricts contracts and research funding grants with the U.S. military and serves as a warning signal to U.S. investors, making it widely regarded as a precursor to stricter trade sanctions.

Meanwhile, global PC manufacturers, including HP, have already begun incorporating CXMT chips into their laptop and PC products.

CXMT's stock price surged 460% on its first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange last month, propelling it to become the company with the highest market capitalization on the Chinese mainland stock market.

Driven by the boom in building artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, the smartphone and PC industries have been experiencing a shortage of memory semiconductor chips since late last year.

Amid soaring memory chip prices, Apple recently raised the prices of its MacBooks and iPads by $100 to $300.

Market observers speculate that Apple may also raise prices when it unveils new iPhone models in September.

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