If you're planning on getting a new iPhone this year, it's worth keeping a close eye on upcoming developments. There's some interesting news surrounding the iPhone 17. Initial information from the industry points to a major technical change: All iPhone 17 models will feature 12 GB of RAM. This would be a significant step, especially considering Apple's upcoming AI features.
So far, Apple has been rather conservative with the RAM on its iPhones. While other manufacturers have been quick to equip their smartphones with more RAM, Apple has long stuck with lower capacities. This seems to be changing with the iPhone 17. Several leaks and analyses indicate that all iPhone 17 variants will receive a significant performance boost this year thanks to 12 GB of RAM. Here's what's known, why this is important, and when you can expect the iPhone 17.
All iPhone 17 models are said to have 12 GB of RAM
The information comes from Digital Chat Station, a well-known leaker on the Chinese platform Weibo. He claims that all iPhone 17 models—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—will be equipped with 12 GB of RAM. His statements are based on sources within Apple's supply chain. This is supported by information from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also reports that Apple plans to launch all versions of the iPhone 17 with 12 GB of RAM. Kuo believes the standard iPhone 17 model could also make this move, but he notes that it still depends on the supply chain situation.
If there are shortages, the base model could possibly remain at 8 GB of RAM. According to Kuo, the final decision on this will be made in May. Even if the regular iPhone 17 remains at 8 GB of RAM, Kuo expects Apple to introduce 12 GB of RAM across all models by the iPhone 18 series in 2026 at the latest.
Why is more RAM important in the iPhone 17?
The upgrade to 12 GB of RAM isn't just a numbers game. With more RAM, your iPhone can perform more powerful tasks faster and more efficiently. This is especially important because Apple is increasingly relying on artificial intelligence. Apple Intelligence runs on the devices themselves, without constantly relying on cloud services. Larger AI models require more memory to operate locally. More RAM therefore means faster reactions, more complex tasks, and significantly better everyday performance. Multitasking is also noticeably improved: Apps can remain active in the background while AI-supported processes run without the system slowing down. Currently, the iPhone 16 models have 8 GB of RAM. With this increase, Apple is laying the technical foundation for you to be able to use even smarter and more responsive features directly on your device in the future (via Weibo).
When will the iPhone 17 be introduced?
Apple typically sticks to its usual release schedule, so you can expect the iPhone 17 to be unveiled in September as usual. More details are sure to leak out by then, but the RAM upgrade to 12 GB already seems pretty certain.
iPhone 17: Ready for the demands of tomorrow
The iPhone 17 finally brings a significant improvement in RAM. 12 GB of RAM in all models means noticeably more performance, faster AI features, and a better multitasking experience. If there are still bottlenecks in the base model, the iPhone 18 will set the new standard. If you're waiting for a truly future-proof iPhone, you should definitely keep an eye on the iPhone 17. (Image: MajinBuOfficial / X)
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