Apple CEO John Turnus has described the shortage of memory semiconductors as a "clear crisis" and suggested the possibility of using products from China.
In an interview with TIME magazine published on October 15, Turnus stated, "The memory shortage is a clear crisis," adding, "Our fundamental policy is to keep all options open." This statement comes in response to concerns raised by the U.S. Congress regarding Apple's consideration of Chinese semiconductors due to national security issues.
Earlier in July, reports indicated that Apple had begun testing Chinese memory semiconductors. In response, six bipartisan U.S. senators, including Republican Jim Banks and Democrat Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Apple urging the company to halt its plans, citing potential threats to national security.
The senators warned that Apple's move could undermine efforts to expand domestic semiconductor production and counter China's semiconductor influence. They also expressed concern that if Apple, known for being one of the most selective buyers of components globally, were to adopt Chinese memory semiconductors, it could set a precedent for other companies to follow.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo also stated in August that the Trump administration did not support Apple's purchase of Chinese memory semiconductors. Additionally, Micron, a U.S. memory semiconductor company, has reportedly pressured the White House to block Apple's plans to source memory chips from China.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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