iPhone 17 Series to Get 12GB RAM, iPhone 18 Models to Feature Faster LPDDR5X Memory

Highlights

• All four iPhone 17 models are expected to feature 12GB of RAM, marking an upgrade from the 8GB RAM limit seen in the iPhone 16 series.
• The iPhone 18 lineup, set for 2026, is rumoured to introduce faster six-channel LPDDR5X memory.
• The iPhone 17 Pro models will likely feature the A19 Pro chip with TSMC’s 3nm process, while the iPhone 17 Air might adopt an ultra-slim design.

Caption – Latest leaked dummy units of the upcoming iPhone 17 Series. (Image credit – Apple Track on YouTube)

Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 17 series later this year and early leaks suggest some big upgrades are on the way. While we already have an idea about possible design changes thanks to leaked images and videos recently, it is now reported that Apple is planning upgrades in terms of memory as well.

The lineup, expected to include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, could finally move past the 8GB RAM limit seen in the iPhone 16 series. Here’s what we know.

iPhone 17 Series – Memory Upgrade

According to a new rumour from well-known tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, all four iPhone 17 models will come with 12GB of RAM. This includes the base model, which was previously uncertain. A past leak had claimed that only three of the four models would get 12GB RAM with Apple still deciding on the base version. That decision is expected to be finalised by next month.

Caption – Tipster Digital Chat Station’s recent post on Weibo. (Translates via Google Translate)

iPhone 18 in 2026 – What To Expect?

Meanwhile, the tipster in the same post about iPhone 17 also touched upon what to expect from the next iPhone lineup.

According to DCS’s Weibo post, the iPhone 18 lineup is rumoured to switch to a new six-channel LPDDR5X memory, which will be a first for any Apple device. This change will bring faster memory bandwidth, leading to better performance overall.

We still have time for iPhone 18, so it us advisable to taken this update with a pinch of salt.

iPhone 17 Series – Rumours

The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are also expected to run on Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, which will be built using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process. This chip, paired with 12GB RAM, should deliver a noticeable performance boost over the current A18 Pro used in the iPhone 16 Pro models.

On the design side, the iPhone 17 Air has been seen in leaked dummy units, showing off an ultra-slim design. This could hint at a new design direction for Apple.

Meanwhile, another report suggests that the model from the iPhone 17 lineup has already passed the Engineering Validation Test (EVT), one of the first steps in Apple’s product testing cycle. It will soon move on to the Design Validation Test (DVT) and then the Production Validation Test (PVT), keeping Apple on schedule for a September launch.

FAQs

Q1. How much RAM will the iPhone 17 series have?

Answer. According to leaks, all four models in the iPhone 17 lineup—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—will come with 12GB of RAM, marking an upgrade from the 8GB RAM in the iPhone 16 series.

Q2. What memory improvements are expected in the iPhone 18 series?

Answer. The iPhone 18 lineup, expected in 2026, is rumoured to feature a new six-channel LPDDR5X memory, providing faster memory bandwidth and improved overall performance.

Q3. What processor and design changes are expected in the iPhone 17 series?

Answer. The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to run on Apple’s A19 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s 3nm process for better performance. Additionally, leaked dummy units suggest the iPhone 17 Air may feature an ultra-slim design, signaling a potential design shift.

Also Read: Apple expands iPhone production in India with new Tata and Foxconn plants

Also Read: iPhone 17 Series Leak: Expected launch, price, design and specs you should know