Next year's iPhone 17 models will have 12 GB of RAM That's more than the expected 8GB in all iPhone 16 models that Apple plans to release, according to a reliable source with accurate predictions about Apple's plans.
The amount of RAM in the current iPhone 15 lineup differs between the non-Pro and Pro models, with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus having 6GB of RAM, while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have 8GB of RAM. This difference is believed to be the reason why Apple Intelligence – a set of functions based on artificial intelligence from Apple – currently only supported by the iPhone 15 Pro models.
As this is a requirement for Apple Intelligence, all four of Apple's iPhone 16 models are expected to have 8GB of RAM, just like the rumored iPhone SE 4, which is likely to launch in the spring. However, in a Weibo post on Wednesday, Chinese-language user “Phone Chip Expert” said that next year's iPhone 17 models will have 12GB of RAM for more advanced applications on the AI-powered device.
“If you're planning to upgrade to an AI-enabled iPhone, the iPhone 17 in 2025 might be the best choice,” the insider said. “This year's iPhone 16 only has 8GB of RAM, most of the AI processing is done in the cloud. Next year's iPhone 17 will have 12GB of RAM and more AI-powered apps. It's something to consider for those on a budget and wants to update his iPhone.”
Edge AI-based applications refer to artificial intelligence processing that is performed directly on the local device rather than relying on cloud servers. “Edge” refers to the edge of the network, meaning data processing occurs near the source of the data (the device itself), rather than in a centralized location such as a cloud data center.
This isn't the first time we've heard rumors of additional RAM in Apple's 2025 iPhone. In a May 2024 research note with investment firm Haitong, analyst Jeff Pu claimed that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will be equipped with 12GB of RAM, while the iPhone 17 and even the rumored iPhone 17 “Slim” or “Air” with the completely new design will remain with 8 GB of RAM. However, today's insider seems to suggest that all iPhone 17 models will be equipped with additional RAM, which will provide AI capabilities to the entire line.
The “Phone Chip Expert” insider has a reputation for reliable predictions. Phone Chip Expert was the first to report that the iPhone 7 will be waterproof, and the standard iPhone 14 models will continue to use the A15 Bionic chip, while the more advanced A16 chip will be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro. These predictions were later confirmed by several reputable sources and proved to be correct after the products were released.
A little while ago, “Phone Chip Expert” was the first source to report that Apple is developing its own AI-based server processor using TSMC's 3nm process , focusing on mass production by the second half of 2025.