The memory market is changing — and this time, it's Apple being told "no."

According to Korea's Digital Daily, Apple recently approached CXMT — China's leading DRAM maker — seeking discounted LPDDR5X memory for its 2026 iPhone lineup. CXMT declined the discount, and instead quoted prices in line with, or even above, Samsung and SK hynix.

Why CXMT Can Afford to Say No

CXMT's order books are full. Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO and China's major cloud providers have locked in long-term supply agreements at current market prices, as documented in CXMT's own IPO prospectus. With US sanctions pushing Chinese device makers to secure domestic memory supply, CXMT no longer needs to win Apple's business with a discount — it holds rare leverage over the world's most valuable company.

For Apple, that removes a key bargaining chip. Without a cheaper CXMT alternative, Samsung and SK hynix keep their pricing power, and DRAM stays firmly a sellers' market through the 2026 iPhone cycle.

What It Means for the Market

Memory prices stay firm. No discount anchor from CXMT means upward or stable DRAM pricing into 2026.

Component costs stay high. Apple — and every other maker buying memory at market rates — faces sustained BOM pressure on new devices.

The supply chain feels it downstream. From flagship phones to budget models, memory is in everything.

What It Means for Repair Shops in NZ & AU

1. Repair demand stays strong. When new devices carry high component costs, retail prices stay high — and customers choose repair over replacement more often.

2. Parts pricing will stay firm too. Memory-driven cost pressure flows through the whole supply chain. If you're planning bulk orders of fast-moving parts, earlier is better than later.

3. Stock the movers now. Screens and batteries for current-gen models remain the fastest-turning inventory. Securing stock with your wholesale partner ahead of price moves protects your margin.

The memory market is changing. Shops that plan purchasing ahead of the curve will keep their margins intact.

👉 We supply phone repair parts to repair shops and resellers across New Zealand & Australia — wholesale only, trade pricing for approved accounts:

NZ: skylinemobile.co.nz/collections/parts
AU: skylinemobile.com.au

📞 NZ: +64 21 289 2088 · AU: +61 416 322 088

Source: Digital Daily (Korea), CXMT IPO prospectus disclosures, industry reports, August 2026.