- Apple will reportedly step up RAM from 8GB to 12GB for the iPhone 17 lineup
- It was beforehand reported that solely the Pro and Pro Max would get the improve
- More RAM would degree the competitors with the likes of Samsung and Google
Just as Apple likes to improve its homegrown chipsets annually for the iPhone, it’s additionally been steadily growing the RAM. And judging by a brand new report, plainly the Cupertino-based tech big will proceed on that path, and arguably copy what Samsung and Google’s already been providing.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 collection will kick computing energy into larger gear because of 12GB of RAM. That can be a strong enhance over the 8GB of RAM discovered within the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
Why the rise? Well, it’s seemingly not solely to maintain up with no matter adjustments lie forward with iOS 19 – that improve is predicted to be unveiled in a couple of weeks at WWDC 2025 – but additionally to energy the on-device elements of Apple Intelligence.
That’s not a straightforward feat, and with the AI-infused Siri nonetheless on the horizon with a launch sooner or later within the coming yr, the iPhone will seemingly want a bigger quantity of RAM to take care of operating AI fashions immediately on the machine. Apple Intelligence presently processes some on the machine – be it an iPhone, iPad, or Mac – in addition to securely sending it off into the Private Cloud Compute methodology.
Beyond the AI implications and the necessity for extra RAM, this could give much more help to future A-series chips that Apple is creating. And it ought to make future iPhones run with much more pace and fluidity.
This change within the quantity of RAM additionally represents Apple enjoying catch-up with the likes of Samsung and Google. The Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra all function 12GB of RAM normal and are already able to extra superior synthetic intelligence options. The normal Google Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM out of the field, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL function 16GB of RAM.
Ming-Chi Kuo’s report particulars that of the anticipated iPhone 17 fashions, the Pro, Pro Max, and the ultra-thin Air will all function 12GB of RAM now. Previously, reviews acknowledged that solely the Pro Max – seemingly essentially the most highly effective of the bunch – would get the improve. The report additionally mentions that the hope is to offer the entry-level iPhone 17 12GB of RAM as nicely, however provide shortages are a priority.
Regardless, it’s clear that Apple is taking discover of the competitors from firms like Samsung and Google, and is probably going factoring this into its roadmap of Apple Intelligence options. As the listing of options, each these already launched and future ones, continues to develop, the iPhone wants to have the ability to help all of them.
Further, contemplating Apple’s deal with privateness all through its machine and have set, the aim will seemingly be to do so much on the machine, so an funding in additional RAM makes loads of sense.
And even in the event you don’t use AI options on the iPhone, it’ll seemingly be excellent news in the event you go for the most recent mannequin.
