Most of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup could obtain a major reminiscence improve that may energy the subsequent era of Apple Intelligence options, provide chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned Thursday. The iPhone Sequence 17 RAM increase will even come to the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 “Air.”
iPhone Sequence 17 RAM increase to 12GB throughout premium fashions
The much-anticipated iPhone 17 Air, rumored to characteristic an ultra-thin design, received’t simply stand out for its glossy profile. Primarily based on provide chain evaluation, Kuo believes the Air variant will be a part of the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max in that includes 12GB of RAM, a considerable enhance from the present 8GB normal throughout the iPhone 16 lineup. Solely the iPhone 17 base mannequin may stay at 8GB, nevertheless it stays unclear.
This marks a shift from earlier predictions, which urged the 12GB RAM configuration can be unique to the top-tier iPhone 17 Professional Max. The reminiscence increase throughout premium fashions signifies Apple’s dedication to enhancing on-device AI processing capabilities all through its higher-end choices.
Customary iPhone 17 RAM stays unsure
At Least Three 2H25 New iPhone 17 Fashions to Characteristic 12GB DRAM; Micron and SK Hynix Stand to Profit Most from Apple’s Extra Aggressive DRAM Improve Techniquehttps://t.co/r2WQQ1ZU84 pic.twitter.com/sQnxMQceeu
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) April 24, 2025
Whereas the Air and Professional fashions seem set for the reminiscence improve, the usual iPhone 17 mannequin’s specs stay much less sure. Based on Kuo, the bottom mannequin is prone to retain 8GB of RAM, matching the present iPhone 16.
Nonetheless, the analyst hasn’t dominated out the potential for all fashions receiving the 12GB improve, noting that “potential provide shortages” will affect Apple’s ultimate determination, which is predicted by Might.
Apple Intelligence driving {hardware} enhancements
The iPhone Sequence 17 RAM increase instantly helps Apple’s rising give attention to on-device AI processing. Since introducing Apple Intelligence, the corporate has established 8GB because the minimal RAM requirement for these options. That explains why iPhone 15 Professional fashions help Apple Intelligence whereas normal iPhone 15 fashions don’t.
Trying additional forward, Kuo predicts all iPhone 18 fashions deliberate for late subsequent yr will characteristic 12GB of RAM. And naturally that means Apple views elevated reminiscence as important for future AI capabilities. This follows the same sample with Mac computer systems, the place Apple doubled base RAM from 8GB to 16GB final yr to higher help AI workloads.
Implications for customers
For customers, the iPhone Sequence 17 RAM increase ought to translate to smoother multitasking and extra responsive AI options. Apple Intelligence capabilities like on-device language processing, complicated picture era and contextual understanding all profit from extra reminiscence sources.
The reminiscence enhance additionally positions Apple to introduce extra subtle AI options in future iOS updates. The {hardware} shall be able to dealing with extra complicated on-device processing with out compromising efficiency.
Apple is predicted to announce the iPhone 17 lineup, together with the brand new iPhone 17 Air, throughout its standard September occasion.