Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series at its usual fall event, and leaks are already starting to surface. Recently, all four upcoming models were revealed in early renders, and not all the changes are for the better. However, there’s one upgrade that might actually make sense… Apple could finally be increasing the RAM across the iPhone 17 lineup.
Apple’s planning 12GB RAM across iPhone 17 lineup, analyst reveals
According to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, all four models in the upcoming iPhone 17 series — iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max — are expected to come with 12GB of RAM. That would be a noticeable jump from the current iPhone 16 lineup, where every model, including the top-tier iPhone 16 Pro Max with 1TB of storage, still ships with just 8GB of RAM. So, Apple might finally be doing something right.
Meanwhile, Samsung users have been rocking 12GB RAM for years. Some Galaxy models even push 16GB depending on the market. Apple has always been behind the curve when it comes to RAM, relying on its optimization game to stay competitive.
Now, things may be shifting. One big reason for the RAM boost could be Apple Intelligence. The new AI suite reportedly needs at least 8GB of RAM to run, so Apple might not have much choice if it wants to roll that out across the board.
Still, Kuo points out that supply chain hiccups could hold things back. If Apple runs short on parts, the base iPhone 17 might end up stuck with 8GB, while only the higher-end models get the full 12GB treatment. Even so, Apple seems to be thinking ahead. Kuo believes that starting with the iPhone 18 series next year, every model will get 12GB of RAM.
Why the sudden shift? It’s not exactly clear. Maybe it’s pressure from AI, or consumer expectations, or just the need to stay competitive. Whatever the reason, it’s about time Apple caught up — especially with Samsung setting the standard years ago.
