Apple urged by US Commerce Secretary on Chinese memory chips

TL;DR: The Wall Street Journal reported on August 14, 2026, that US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged Apple not to buy Chinese memory chips as Apple looks for alternatives during a global supply shortage.

The Wall Street Journal reported on August 14, 2026, that US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged Apple not to turn to Chinese memory chips. The report said Apple is looking for alternative memory chip suppliers to address the ongoing global supply shortage.

According to the report cited by 9to5Mac, Howard Lutnick communicated US opposition to Apple buying Chinese memory chips. The source did not identify a specific Chinese memory chip supplier in the excerpt provided.

9to5Mac attributed the information to The Wall Street Journal and said the issue relates to Apple’s search for supply alternatives during the current chip shortage. The excerpt provided did not state whether Apple changed its sourcing plans.

Related questions

• What did Howard Lutnick reportedly tell Apple about Chinese memory chips?
• Why is Apple looking for alternative memory chip suppliers?
• Which publication first reported the discussion between Apple and the US Commerce Secretary?