Apple's Ternus brands memory crunch a crisis as iPhone Duo launch slips to 2027 amid China chip tests

Apple chief executive John Ternus stated that memory chip constraints constitute a crisis, according to TIME. The comment follows reports that Apple tested memory components from a Chinese manufacturer. Ternus assumed the CEO role on September 1 and appeared on the cover of TIME’s 2026 Best Inventions issue. He emphasized that all options should remain available to address these supply limitations.

What triggered the crisis declaration?

Ternus made these remarks after TIME reported that Apple had tested memory chips from a Chinese company. This testing occurred in July, according to the Financial Times. The move drew immediate scrutiny from a bipartisan group of US senators, who argued it could imperil national security. The US government also warned Apple off Chinese memory chips.

How does this affect product timelines?

The iPhone Duo, featuring a hinge with over 100 precision parts, has seen delivery delays. TIME reported that deliveries have slipped into 2027. The device starts at $1,999. Ternus noted that early foldables from other companies felt cheap, prompting Apple’s focus on custom polymer surfaces and precise engineering.

What is the broader supply strategy?

Ternus rejected the notion that relying on external partners represents a retreat from vertical integration. He stated there is no goal to make every single component in-house. Instead, Apple focuses on parts where it can stand out. Regarding AI, the new Siri uses an Apple model drawing on Google’s Gemini technology. Ternus met with Trump administration members to ensure collaborative progress on these issues.

Questions to ask your suppliers

Security and procurement teams should evaluate how geopolitical tensions impact component sourcing. Organizations need to verify if vendors are testing or using materials from restricted regions. Check whether supply contracts include clauses for rapid substitution if a supplier is flagged by government entities. Ensure that risk assessments cover not just direct vendors but also their sub-tier suppliers. Communicate these findings to executive leadership to align business continuity plans with potential regulatory shifts.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Review current hardware procurement contracts for clauses related to geopolitical restrictions and national security warnings.
• Verify with vendors whether any components in your supply chain originate from regions under government scrutiny.
• Monitor official government advisories for updates on banned or restricted technology suppliers.
• Prepare contingency plans for component substitution in case current suppliers are unable to fulfill orders due to regulatory action.

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General security guidance from the TechSec Feed newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the new Apple CEO?

John Ternus took over as Apple CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook, who is now executive chairman.

Why are senators concerned about Apple?

A bipartisan group of senators warned Apple that testing Chinese-made memory chips could imperil national security.

When will the iPhone Duo be delivered?

Deliveries for the iPhone Duo have slipped into 2027, according to TIME.