Apple's long-standing dual-sourcing strategy to pressure memory chip makers into lower prices is failing as Chinese chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) refuses price cuts, supported by long-term contracts from Huawei and Xiaomi. With Chinese cheaper chips no longer viable options, Apple loses leverage against Korean suppliers SK Hynix and Samsung, likely forcing higher memory costs and iPhone prices—a structural shift strengthening US chipmaker Micron's bargaining position.