Many people are intrigued by how iPhones manage to outperform numerous Android devices despite having significantly less RAM. While some Android manufacturers are pushing the limits with up to 24GB of RAM, iPhones have traditionally hovered around 8GB.

However, recent reports suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17 may feature RAM levels more commonly seen in flagship Android phones. It’s important to approach this information cautiously, as it comes from a reputable analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo.

Nonetheless, there is always the possibility of changes before the iPhone 17’s official release. If the leaks prove accurate, the iPhone 17 may include up to 12GB of RAM.

Apple has tended to be conservative with RAM, not feeling the need to compete directly with Android devices in this area. Historically, iPhones have excelled at managing background processes, allowing them to keep apps open longer than many Android counterparts.

This efficiency has clearly worked for Apple over the years. However, with the anticipated introduction of Apple Intelligence, the demands on RAM could significantly increase.

The need to enhance RAM was already apparent in the iPhone 16 series, which received a boost to 8GB to accommodate this technology. Looking ahead, the iPhone 17 is expected to increase this capacity by 50%, potentially reaching 12GB—aligning it with the specifications of many mid-tier Android flagships.

Notably, Apple plans to equip all iPhone 17 models, including the base and Air variants, with 12GB of RAM, ensuring uniform performance across the lineup. There may be some supply chain challenges that could lead to the base model being limited to 8GB, but for the iPhone 18, Apple aims to solidify the 12GB standard.

Perhaps by then, Apple Intelligence will be fully implemented, offering an exciting new dimension to the user experience.