iPhone 17 to Feature 12GB RAM Across Pro Models, Signaling Apple's AI Push

Photo Credits: MacRumors

Apple is poised to make a significant leap in RAM capacity with its upcoming iPhone 17 series, a move that industry analysts believe is driven by both increased demands from features like Apple Intelligence and a need to stay competitive with Android rivals. Respected Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revised his earlier predictions, now forecasting that the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new “ultra-thin” model, nicknamed the “iPhone 17 Air,” will all be equipped with 12GB of RAM. Previously, Kuo anticipated only the Pro Max would receive this upgrade, making the news a positive development for potential buyers of the other models.

A Shift in Apple’s Strategy

For years, Apple has distinguished itself by prioritizing efficiency in its hardware and software combination, often using less RAM than competitors, while maintaining smooth performance. This approach has sometimes been a source of playful criticism, with some observing that Apple was consistently "catching up" to the standard RAM available on many Android devices. The iPhone 15 Pro marked a first step with an upgrade to 8GB – a specification familiar on many budget Android phones. This increase became necessary to support Apple's demanding new AI features, which required 8GB of RAM to function.

The iPhone 17 Lineup and Potential Supply Issues

The move to 12GB of RAM across the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and Air represents a substantial jump from the 8GB found in all iPhone 16 models. This increase is expected to significantly improve performance, particularly when utilizing Apple Intelligence and multitasking. There's even a possibility that the base-model iPhone 17 could join the 12GB club, if Apple can navigate potential supply chain shortages. A final decision on the standard model’s RAM capacity isn’t expected until May.

However, even if the base model remains at 8GB for this generation, Kuo confidently predicts that the entire iPhone 18 lineup, slated for release in 2026, will feature 12GB of RAM. This commitment points to a longer-term shift in Apple’s strategy.

Competition and the Rise of AI

The driving force behind this change seems to be a combination of factors, including intensifying competition in the smartphone market – and perhaps a bit of prodding from the growing demands of Artificial Intelligence. Samsung, a major Android competitor, already offers 12GB of RAM (and even up to 16GB in some markets) in its Galaxy S25 Ultra. Apple’s upgrade aims to level the playing field, at least in terms of memory capacity.

The implications of this RAM upgrade for the iPhone family are still unfolding, but it's largely expected to be tied to enhancing AI capabilities. With more processing power to spare, future iPhones will likely be better equipped to handle increasingly sophisticated AI features.

Beneficiaries of the Change

This RAM boost won’t just benefit Apple customers. Supply chain analysts predict that Micron Technology and SK Hynix, the primary suppliers of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), are expected to see a substantial increase in business as a result of Apple's increased demand.

Anticipated Release

Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, offering a clearer picture of the finalized specifications and features. For those who’ve been waiting for a significant performance leap, especially in the realm of AI, the iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be a noteworthy upgrade.