Apple and Google consider adopting Chinese memory chips: three obstacles remain

The ongoing memory chip shortage driven by AI demand has prompted global technology companies like Apple and Google to consider adopting Chinese-made semiconductors. However, industry analysts note th... Read original →

The AI-driven memory crunch is forcing Apple and Google to reassess sourcing options, but integrating Chinese chips isn’t plug-and-play. Technically, even with YMTC’s 128-layer 3D NAND advances, co-packaging with TSMC’s 3nm logic dies exposes signal integrity and thermal mismatch risks. Compliance-wise, U.S. export controls impose steep due diligence costs and secondary sanction exposure. Competitively, Samsung and SK Hynix will likely lock in Western clients via long-term DRAM supply pacts to defend their high-end dominance. Over the next 12–24 months, the real tail risk is bifurcation: global tech firms will adopt dual-track supply chains—premium products stick with legacy alliances, while edge-AI or mid-tier devices pilot Chinese components—ushering in a ‘technical divergence’ paradigm rather than outright decoupling.