iPhone 17 Rumored to Offer Major Upgrade Over iPhone 16, Including a Boost from 8GB to 12GB RAM

Apple Intelligence will likely be a key selling point for the iPhone 16 series, with all models featuring 8GB of RAM to comfortably run a mix of cloud-based and on-device AI functions, supported by a capable Neural Engine. However, a recent rumor suggests that those waiting for a substantial memory upgrade might want to hold out for the iPhone 17, expected to launch in 2025 with 12GB of RAM.

Previous Rumors Hint at RAM Increase, but Initially for Pro Models Only

For users already owning the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the 8GB RAM in the iPhone 16 models might not offer a compelling reason to upgrade. However, for those using Apple’s high-end models from last year, the iPhone 17 could present a significant leap forward. According to a Weibo user who goes by the machine-translated name ‘Mobile phone chip expert,’ the 2025 lineup is expected to feature 12GB of RAM.

The source did not specify whether this RAM upgrade would be standard across all iPhone 17 variants. Previously, Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu predicted that only the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max would receive the 12GB RAM upgrade, suggesting that the non-Pro models would continue to have 8GB of RAM.

The Benefits of More RAM in Future iPhones

Increasing the RAM in the iPhone 17 would allow for more on-device AI functions, reducing the reliance on cloud computing—a significant advantage for users in regions with limited internet access. Moreover, the additional RAM would enable game developers to bring more advanced textures to mobile devices when porting AAA games. Currently, 8GB of RAM can be a limiting factor in some scenarios, and a bump to 12GB could open up new possibilities.