According to technology site 9to5Mac, Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable phone, called the 'iPhone Ultra,' and the iPhone 18 family this fall.
The company is seeking cheaper memory chips to control costs for these new products and existing MacBook and iPad models. In this context, it has applied to the US government for special permission to import chips from Chinese memory semiconductor manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT).
CXMT has been blacklisted by the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) on suspicion of links to the Chinese People's Liberation Army. This list prevents US companies from trading with these firms.
Apple's move drew a reaction in Washington. House China Committee Chairman John Moolenaar told the Financial Times, "It is concerning that Apple is asking for permission to buy chips from a company on the Pentagon's blacklist," and said such a deal could risk US security.
Apple had previously raised prices on MacBook and iPad, citing increased RAM costs. Microsoft also raised Xbox prices for similar reasons.