Apple Intelligence will likely be a major marketing point for Apple to boost iPhone 16 sales, as all models will run a combination of cloud-based and on-device AI features with ease, thanks to the entire lineup featuring 8GB of RAM and a powerful Neural Engine. However, a rumor suggests that those wanting a hefty storage upgrade should remain patient until the iPhone 17 launches, as the 2025 lineup is rumored to come with 12GB of RAM.
An earlier rumor also spoke of a 12 GB RAM upgrade for the iPhone 17 models, but exclusively for the “Pro” models.
Those who already own the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have little incentive to upgrade to one of the iPhone 16 models, as they all have 8GB of RAM. However, for customers who use last year’s top Apple models on a daily basis, the iPhone 17 could be a notable upgrade, as on Weibo, a person whose username machine translates to “mobile phone chip expert” commented that the new family, due to launch in 2025, will have 12GB of RAM.
The source does not provide any details on whether this RAM upgrade will be standard on all iPhone 17 versions. MacRumors, which spotted the rumor, was unable to provide any valuable insight. The only other time Apple is rumored to include 12GB of RAM in the iPhone 17 lineup was when Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu predicted this upgrade. However, he also mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max would get 12GB of RAM, suggesting that the non-Pro versions will come with 8GB of RAM.
The obvious benefit of adding more memory to an iPhone is that you have more freedom to run AI functions on-device rather than relying on the cloud, since not everyone has access to the internet in much of the world. Another benefit we’ve already discussed is that the extra RAM allows game developers to bring high-level textures to these mobile devices as they port more AAA games. Currently, 8GB of RAM can be limiting in various situations, and upping it to 12GB can open a lot of doors.
News source: Cell phone chip expert
