Apple Begins Testing Changxin Storage DRAM for China Market Models, Bank of America Eyes Three Obstacles

According to wccftech, Apple has begun internal testing of Changxin Storage DRAM for iPhones and iPads intended for the Chinese market, following reports last month that the company was seeking U.S. regulatory approval to source the chips from the Chinese chipmaker.

However, Bank of America raised skepticism about large-scale adoption, citing three major obstacles: geopolitical constraints (Changxin is on the U.S. Defense Department 1260H list), technical performance gaps in LPDDR5X speed and power efficiency compared to flagship iPhone specs, and patent litigation risks from established DRAM patent holders like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. BofA analysis suggests any deployment would likely be limited to entry-level models like the iPhone 18e.