iPhone 17 Pro Series to Feature 12GB RAM for Enhanced AI Performance: Report

Highlights

• iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature 12GB LPDDR5 RAM for improved Apple Intelligence and AI capabilities.

• This upgrade follows previous increases with 8GB RAM first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro series and extended to iPhone 16 models.
• Rumours suggest design changes, a new camera layout and video features tailored for vlogging in the iPhone 17 series.

Apple is rumoured to be increasing the RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max to 12GB for improving Apple Intelligence features. Apple Intelligence functions require at least 8GB RAM and with Apple pushing for more advanced capabilities, higher RAM could be necessary. Here’s what we know. 

iPhone 17 Pro Series To Have More RAM for AI Features

Speculations about 12GB RAM in this year’s iPhones aren’t new and have been going on for a while. It was predicted by trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in August 2023, following Apple Intelligence’s announcement at WWDC 2024. 

Among the 2025 new iPhone models, only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature the following specifications:

1. 12GB DRAM (while the ultra-thin iPhone, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and SE4 will all have 8GB). Enhanced on-device AI capabilities will likely be a major selling point for…

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 29, 2024

Now, another report is making this prediction gain some more traction.

In a report seen by 9to5Mac, analyst Jeff Pu of GFHK Tech Research confirmed that both iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will have 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, compared to 8GB in the current models. He explained that AI demands are pushing smartphone and PC makers to increase RAM capacity.

“Meanwhile iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to migrate to LPDDR5 12GB, this transition alone will contribute to a 3.5% YoY increase in smartphone DRAM content across an estimated 100 million new iPhone units,” Pu reportedly stated.

Apple’s RAM Upgrades Over the Years

Apple first introduced 8GB RAM in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max in 2023, while the non-Pro models had 6GB. Last year, Apple also bumped up the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus to 8GB RAM making them eligible for Apple Intelligence. 

Even the recently announced iPhone 16e comes with 8GB RAM and AI support.

The increase to 12GB RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro models not only makes them more future-proof but also suggests that Apple is working on new AI features that could require even more power. This follows Apple’s move in 2023 when it upgraded all Macs including the older M2 MacBook Air to 16GB RAM.

iPhone 17 Series – What More to Expect?

While not much is known as of now, rumours suggest the iPhone 17 lineup will get major design changes including a new camera layout and video features tailored for vlogging. Apple is also reportedly working on an ultra-slim iPhone, which could replace the current Plus model sitting between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Apple increasing the RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro series to 12GB?

Answer. Apple is increasing the RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max to 12GB to improve Apple Intelligence features. AI-based functions require at least 8GB RAM and higher RAM is necessary for more advanced capabilities.

Q2. When was the prediction of 12GB RAM in iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max first made?

Answer. The prediction of 12GB RAM in iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max was first made by trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in August 2023, following Apple Intelligence’s announcement at WWDC 2024.

Q3. What are some rumoured design changes for the iPhone 17 series?

Answer. Rumours suggest the iPhone 17 lineup will get major design changes, including a new camera layout and video features tailored for vlogging. Apple is also reportedly working on an ultra-slim iPhone that could replace the current Plus model.

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