Apple’s iPhones traditionally feature less RAM compared to their Android counterparts, but this has not caused any significant problems. Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software allows for effective optimization of iOS and its applications based on the available RAM. However, this trend may be shifting soon. A recent report from South Korea indicates that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models will come with an upgrade to 12GB of RAM.

This upgrade is reportedly being supplied by Samsung. An industry official shared on social media that Apple is nearing completion of agreements with memory manufacturers to enhance their DRAM capacity. Some of this volume has already been approved for supply, specifically targeting the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. Although there are indications that the standard iPhone 17 and the anticipated iPhone 17 Air will feature 8GB of RAM, contradicting reports suggest that the entire lineup could have 12GB.

This inconsistency leaves some uncertainty regarding RAM specifications. The increase in RAM is not necessarily driven by a desire to compete with Android devices. Analysts speculate that Apple’s motivation lies in expanding its on-device AI capabilities. By enhancing RAM, Apple aims to develop more advanced AI features that function independently of remote servers.

This approach has notable privacy advantages, although it could result in AI functionalities that lag behind competitors’ offerings. Despite the potential for improved AI, skepticism surrounds Apple’s ambitions in this space. Previous demonstrations of AI concepts at WWDC have often fallen short, with launched features encountering various issues. Additionally, there are concerns that many of these AI initiatives were developed without adequate communication between marketing and technical teams within Apple.

As a result, while an increase in RAM could support better AI features, questions remain about the effectiveness of those capabilities. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series later this year, including the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air as a new addition to its flagship lineup.