Bloomberg reports that US senators from both sides of the aisle are urging Apple CEO Tim Cook to commit by August 21 to not using memory chips from Chinese suppliers CXMT and YMTC. Here are the details.
A bit of context
As Apple looks for ways to navigate the ongoing memory shortage, the company has reportedly been seeking the Trump administration’s blessing to source components from CXMT and YMTC, two firms designated by the Pentagon as Chinese military companies.
Legally, Apple is not required to obtain US government approval to purchase chips from the companies, but doing so without the administration’s support could expose it to significant political ramifications.
Which is why, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal ahead of Apple’s recent price hikes, Tim Cook said that “everything needs to be on the table,” adding that “we should look at all supply.”
