In a move that could redefine smartphone performance, Apple is expected to equip all four iPhone 17 models with 12GB of RAM, a significant jump from the 8GB of RAM used in the iPhone 16 series.

This upgrade would include the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which is set to replace the current Plus model.

According to trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has already decided to implement 12GB of RAM for the Pro, Pro Max, and Air models. While Kuo suggests that supply chain conditions will ultimately determine whether the base iPhone 17 also gets 12GB, he expects that, at the very least, the other models will see this improvement. Kuo further anticipates that the base iPhone 17 could match the higher-end models if production conditions align.

While the final decision for the standard iPhone 17 will likely be made by May 2025, Kuo predicts that, even if the entry-level variant maintains 8GB, 12GB will become the norm across all iPhone models with the iPhone 18 in 2026.

What’s driving the RAM upgrade?

The key motivation behind this RAM upgrade is to support Apple's growing AI features and improve multitasking capabilities. With more memory, future devices will be able to handle more complex workloads and on-device models, enabling smoother performance and less latency.

The move also positions Apple to keep pace with rising competition in the premium smartphone sector, where other companies are pushing the limits of hardware and software integration. As per Kuo’s analysis, Apple’s strategic increase in RAM will not only benefit the performance of the iPhone 17 lineup but also boost the prospects of Apple’s memory suppliers—Micron and SK Hynix. Micron, in particular, stands to gain as the demand for AI-focused memory shipments rises. The cost of 12GB DRAM is about 50% higher than that of 8GB, providing clear financial advantages for both Apple and its memory suppliers.

iPhone 17 release

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be unveiled in September 2025, with the RAM upgrades offering a new level of performance for Apple’s smartphones. Whether the base model will join its Pro counterparts with 12GB of RAM remains to be seen, but the transition to 12GB as the standard for the iPhone 18 series seems all but certain.

With Apple’s focus on delivering powerful, AI-driven experiences, the upcoming iPhone 17 models could set a new standard for flagship smartphones, making multitasking and performance smoother than ever before.