According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is expected to come equipped with 12GB of RAM. If true, this marks a significant leap in memory that could pave the way for more advanced AI-powered features in iOS 19 and beyond, including real-time language translation and next-gen AR navigation.

Rumored Models Getting 12GB RAM
Ming-Chi Kuo reports that iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are all expected to feature 12GB of RAM—a 50% increase over the 8GB in the iPhone 16 series. Previously, only the Pro Max was believed to be getting the memory boost, but the latest info points to a broader rollout across the lineup.
What About the Standard iPhone 17?
There are currently two competing theories:
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Optimistic Scenario: If the supply chain can keep up, Apple might break tradition and equip even the standard iPhone 17 with 12GB of RAM, making it the first time the entire lineup shares the same memory spec.
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Conservative Approach: If DRAM supply remains constrained, Apple may stick with 8GB RAM for the base model, reserving the 12GB upgrade for the Pro models only.
Meanwhile, the more budget-friendly iPhone 17e (expected to succeed the SE series) is still tipped to stick with 8GB of RAM, aligning with its entry-level target market.
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The Tech Behind the Upgrade
Why the Jump to 12GB?
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Rising Apple intelligence Demands: Apple’s push into on-device AI —under its Apple Intelligence framework—requires more memory than ever. Tasks like live image processing, multimodal interactions, and private AI model execution are becoming too much for 8GB RAM to handle efficiently.
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Better Multitasking: With 12GB RAM, users can expect smoother multitasking, fewer background app shutdowns, and a significant performance boost in 4K video editing, 3D gaming, and other memory-heavy workflows.
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Supply Chain and Launch Timeline
This move would also benefit Apple’s memory suppliers such as Micron and SK Hynix, who could see a major jump in DRAM orders if the 12GB upgrade goes through.
As usual, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 lineup in September. However, the final decision on RAM configurations is still pending and may not be locked in until supply chain evaluations conclude in May.
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How Will It Impact iPhone 17 Pro Max Pricing?
With global DRAM shortages putting pressure on supply, Apple will likely need to secure memory components earlier than usual, which could drive up costs.
If the standard iPhone 17 does get a 12GB upgrade, Apple might respond in one of two ways:
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Increase the base model price
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Trim costs elsewhere
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Conclusion
The iPhone 17 lineup—especially the new iPhone 17 Air—is expected to bring a major memory upgrade to 12GB RAM. This could unlock more advanced AI features and smoother performance. While pricing and supply remain uncertain, Apple seems ready to take a big step forward in on-device capability.