Key facts
- U.S. senators have given Apple CEO Tim Cook a deadline.
- The deadline is August 21, 2026.
- Senators demand Apple commit to not sourcing memory chips from CXMT.
- Senators demand Apple commit to not sourcing memory chips from YMTC.
- CXMT and YMTC are Chinese memory chip suppliers.
- CXMT and YMTC are blacklisted by the Pentagon.
A bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators has issued a directive to Apple CEO Tim Cook, demanding a commitment by August 21, 2026, to cease sourcing memory chips from two specific Chinese suppliers: CXMT and YMTC. These companies are already subject to blacklisting by the Pentagon, indicating their designation as entities of concern by the U.S. Department of Defense. The senators' action underscores a broader governmental effort to scrutinize and potentially sever supply chain links between American technology companies and Chinese manufacturers identified as national security risks. The deadline signifies a critical juncture for Apple, requiring a public commitment on its future sourcing strategies for essential components like memory chips. This move by the senators reflects ongoing bipartisan concerns regarding technological dependencies on China and the potential for intellectual property theft or supply chain disruptions.