- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
50%
Plausible
The industry is hyping up the alliance between Chinese memory manufacturer CXMT and Apple, with the latter previously reported to have begun testing the company’s DRAM chips for use in future products. Unfortunately, a new rumor buries any hope that these modules will be found in the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and it’s not due to any political pressure. Apparently, it’s a technological limitation involving the A20 Pro’s Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module Packaging (WMCM).
All hope isn’t lost because Apple’s standard A20 found in the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could still be paired with CXMT DRAM
For years, South Korea’s memory manufacturers have maintained ties with Apple, and due to this extensive experience, Weibo tipster Fixed-focus digital cameras believes that it’s difficult to pair the iPhone 18 Pro with DRAM from CXMT. Since Apple has ditched the older PoP (Package-on-Package) integration and moved to WMCM for the first time with its A-series lineup, there would be a multitude of tests and validations that need to be passed.
Since CXMT’s name got mentioned just recently, we doubt Apple would make room for another supplier for the A20 Pro this early, as its chipset samples have been tailored for use with Samsung’s and SK hynix memory. We also strongly believe that Apple would have a penchant for sticking with Samsung, given the latter’s experience with advanced packaging.
If you remember, the Exynos 2600 features custom-made LPDDR5X RAM that’s half the size of a standard module, with Samsung achieving this feat without any performance compromise. In short, who better than Samsung to understand the DRAM samples that Apple requires for current and future SoCs?
As for those who believe that this limitation will prevent any future partnership with CXMT, Fixed-focus digital cameras has a positive reply for that. With the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e arriving early next year, Apple has plenty of time to ensure that CXMT’s DRAM passes all trials.
After all, bringing the Chinese manufacturer on board will at least mitigate any supply shortage risk, according to Ming-Chi Kuo. Even if the pricing hurdle isn’t resolved, the Cupertino firm’s priorities have changed ever since the AI boom.
News Source: Fixed-focus digital cameras
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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