Despite its assumed slimmer footprint, the expected Apple’s iPhone 17 Air could pack in more RAM and boost the longevity of the phone.
The news comes from respected Apple watcher Ming-Chi Kuo who says the phone he calls the “ultra-thin” will benefit from 12GB of RAM, which could see it rank among the best iPhone models
That’s a change from Kuo’s previous predictions that suggested only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would benefit from the increase in RAM from 8GB to 12GB in the 2025 line-up.
“Apple’s 2H25 new iPhone 17 models, including the Pro Max, Pro, and ultra-thin, are now expected to feature 12GB of DRAM (vs. my earlier estimate that only the Pro Max would have this upgrade),” Kuo writes on his website.
Although Apple is also planning to upgrade the base model iPhone 17 to rock the improved memory capabilities, if that’s not the case, it could end up being the odd-man out.
“Apple aims to equip the iPhone 17 base model with 12GB as well, but potential supply shortages remain a concern. The company is finalizing its assessment and expects to make a decision by May,” Kuo adds.
Apple doesn’t publicly disclose the amount of RAM it uses in iPhone models, but it is usually uncovered by device tear owns and other means. Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 17 Air alongside the other devices in the range this September.
Opinion
This could change the conversation around the iPhone 17 Air, which was expected to have some compromises compared to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Having RAM parity could help ensure the device gets a longevity and speed boost. It’d enable Apple to keep the phone up to date with more and more demanding Apple Intelligence features as time goes on.
This and the novel design might see it become the iPhone 17 of choice for users with cash to spare.
