Apple supplier SK Hynix's subsidiary Solidigm is considering a U.S. NAND flash memory factory, with upstate New York emerging as a leading candidate, according to Reuters. The move would reduce Solidigm's reliance on its NAND factory in China. Yesterday, it emerged that the Apple supplier is in manufacturing talks with Intel to start memory production in the U.S. One option would see the South Korean chipmaker lease part of Intel's planned manufacturing complex in Ohio. Another would involve a joint venture with Intel and major cloud providers seeking to secure memory supplies, people familiar with the matter said.

Solidigm's potential U.S. expansion comes as Apple pushes to diversify its supply chain beyond China. The company has been increasing its reliance on domestic manufacturing, with CEO Tim Cook highlighting U.S. investments in recent years. A Solidigm factory in upstate New York or Ohio would mark a significant shift for NAND production, which has been concentrated in Asia for decades.

The discussions with Intel signal growing cooperation between chipmakers and memory suppliers to build out U.S. capacity. Intel's foundry ambitions have included attracting major customers to its Ohio and Arizona sites, and Solidigm's interest could accelerate those plans. No final decisions have been made, and the timeline for any factory remains uncertain.