Solidigm is exploring a major expansion of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing as demand for memory chips grows. However, any impact on Apple’s supply chain remains indirect for now.
The SK Hynix-owned company is considering a U.S. factory for NAND flash memory. Upstate New York has emerged as a leading candidate, although Solidigm has made no final decision. Reuters independently reported the same discussions, citing people familiar with the matter.
NAND provides storage for smartphones, computers and data centers. Therefore, a new American plant could eventually influence the wider market that supplies major technology companies.
Solidigm Looks Beyond China
Solidigm currently relies on its NAND manufacturing facility in Dalian, China. A U.S. factory would give the company another production base and reduce its dependence on one location.
Moreover, American production could reduce exposure to tariffs and restrictions affecting semiconductor equipment exports to China. Still, U.S. manufacturing would bring higher operating costs.
New York also offers an established semiconductor ecosystem. The state provides up to $10 billion in performance-based Green CHIPS incentives for qualifying projects. Meanwhile, Micron plans a $100 billion memory-chip complex near Syracuse.
AI Demand Strengthens the NAND Market
Artificial intelligence has increased attention on memory supply. While high-bandwidth memory supports AI processors, data centers also require NAND-based storage.
Solidigm specializes in enterprise solid-state drives, including high-capacity products for AI infrastructure. SK Hynix has already started another U.S. project: a more than $4 billion HBM packaging facility in Indiana.
Meanwhile, strong AI-server demand has tightened the global memory market. Reuters reports that industry executives expect memory shortages to continue through at least 2027.
Apple Connection Remains Indirect
For Apple, the potential factory does not signal a new supply agreement. The report does not identify Apple as a Solidigm customer. Nor does it say Solidigm would produce storage for iPhones, iPads or Macs.
However, additional U.S. NAND capacity could reshape the broader storage market over time. More geographic diversity could also strengthen supply resilience.
Still, any factory would take years to build and qualify for commercial production. Solidigm must first choose whether to proceed, making an immediate effect on Apple products unlikely.
