TechFlow News, June 27: This week, tensions between Apple and memory chip manufacturers—including Micron Technology and SK hynix—intensified further. On Thursday, Apple announced price hikes for its MacBook and iPad products due to rising memory chip prices, stating it could no longer absorb the mounting cost pressures. Following this announcement, Apple’s stock price plunged significantly.
The day before, Micron reported quarterly results far exceeding market expectations, sending its share price soaring. During its earnings call, company executives noted that during the previous industry downturn, major customers continuously pressured suppliers to lower procurement prices—undermining suppliers’ capacity to expand production and sowing the seeds for today’s tight memory supply. Market consensus holds that a long-standing price negotiation dynamic has existed between Apple and its memory suppliers.
Meanwhile, Apple is actively seeking new sources of storage chips. According to prior reports, the company is lobbying the U.S. government to approve the inclusion of DRAM products from China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) into its supply chain, aiming to alleviate supply constraints and diversify its supplier base.
Analysts believe that if CXMT eventually joins Apple’s supply chain, China’s memory industry could further strengthen its influence in the global consumer electronics market. (Jinshi)
