On August 5, South Korea’s tech-focused media outlet Digital Daily, citing industry insiders, revealed that Apple had initially explored integrating China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) into its supply chain as a cost-saving measure. However, the tech giant encountered hurdles during subsequent negotiations aimed at driving down procurement costs. Recently, in an effort to ease cost burdens for its upcoming iPhone lineup and other smart devices, Apple engaged in talks with CXMT over pricing for mobile DRAM chips, including LPDDR5X models. Despite its push for discounts, Apple’s request was firmly rejected. Reports indicate CXMT’s pricing not only rivals but in some cases surpasses that of industry leaders Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The refusal stems from CXMT’s robust demand from Chinese tech powerhouses like Huawei and Xiaomi, which are purchasing its chips in bulk. This strong domestic appetite has eliminated CXMT’s need to sacrifice profit margins by offering discounts to meet Apple’s stringent quality standards and pricing expectations. Analysts note that China’s booming domestic market serves as a critical price floor for CXMT, shielding it from external pressure to compromise on pricing.