Apple is gearing up to make a big leap with its upcoming iPhone lineup, expected to launch in the second half of 2025. According to reports, the tech giant is planning to bump up the RAM capacity across some 2025 iPhone models, with select variants potentially packing 12GB of RAM. This would mark the largest RAM upgrade in iPhone history, signalling a major shift in Apple’s approach to performance. But what’s driving Apple to make this move? And which iPhone models are likely to get the upgrade? Read on as we break it all down.
Few iPhone 17 Models May Come with 12GB of RAM
Apple may increase the RAM capacity of some iPhone 17 models to 12GB of DRAM. Ming-Chi Kuo, a reputed iPhone-related leaker, revealed in his blog post that the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Pro, and even the iPhone 17 Air will pack in 12GB of RAM.
He added that the brand also attempts to equip the base iPhone 17 with 12GB of RAM, but potential supply shortages may hinder this ambitious step. He added that Apple would be re-evaluating the situation and determining its next approach in May. However, Ming-Chi is hopeful that even if this year’s base model comes with 8GB of RAM, all 2026 iPhone models will feature 12GB of RAM.
Part of the push for expanded RAM may be tied to the growing consumer adoption of AI-driven tools, from drafting business emails to enhancing daily productivity — a shift that’s quietly reshaping the demands placed on smartphones.
Samsung Will Likely Meet Almost the Entire Demand of Manufacturing the New RAM for the New iPhones
A recent report by ETNews disclosed that Samsung will likely bear the most responsibility in manufacturing the upgraded RAM for the upcoming iPhone models. It is expected to handle 70 per cent of the total order. In this massive quest, it may leverage the assistance of its Electro-Mechanics division to ease the pressure.
SK Hynix and Micron corporations may fulfil the remaining demand. SK Hynix will likely share the workload with LG Innotek, while Micron is said to team up with Shinko Electric of Japan.
Regarding this topic, Ming-Chi Kuo has speculated that the average selling price of these 12GB of RAM is almost 50 per cent higher than that of 8GB of RAM. Consequently, SK Hynix and Micron will likely witness a rise in their revenue growth.
Previously, we reported that the Apple iPhone 17 series is rumoured to come with 16GB of RAM, instead of relying on 8GB of RAM. This report also suggested that the 2025 edition of iPhones is expected to be powered by the Apple A19 processor. The iPhone launch is still a few months away, and we shall continue to bring all the latest news and leaks regarding these new phones. So stay tuned with MSP.
