Apple plans to make the iPhone 17 Air just 5.5mm thick. The company wants this super-thin phone to have 12GB of RAM, matching the Pro models. This would make it more powerful than regular iPhone 17 models, which might keep their current 8GB of RAM. The extra memory helps phones run multiple apps at once without slowing down. Regular models could fall behind if Apple cannot get enough memory chips.
The new Air model will replace the Plus version in Apple's lineup. Ming-Chi Kuo wrote that the iPhone 17 Air will share more with Pro models than with standard ones. He said Apple might still add 12GB to regular iPhone 17 phones if parts become available. The company needs to decide on memory amounts next month before starting mass production. Current iPhone 16 models all have 8GB of RAM, but still perform well because of their A18 chips.
More memory would help iPhones compete better against Samsung Galaxy S25 phones. Apple might need extra RAM because iOS 19 could add desktop-like features when phones connect to external displays. The system might work like Stage Manager on iPads. Kuo believes all iPhone 17 models could have 12GB if shortages end soon. Memory suppliers Micron and SK Hynix will benefit from these changes.
Higher memory amounts raise production costs, which might lead to higher prices for consumers. Apple has not announced its final plans or the phones' costs. More details about the iPhone 17 Air should come later this year.
The new Air model will replace the Plus version in Apple's lineup. Ming-Chi Kuo wrote that the iPhone 17 Air will share more with Pro models than with standard ones. He said Apple might still add 12GB to regular iPhone 17 phones if parts become available. The company needs to decide on memory amounts next month before starting mass production. Current iPhone 16 models all have 8GB of RAM, but still perform well because of their A18 chips.
More memory would help iPhones compete better against Samsung Galaxy S25 phones. Apple might need extra RAM because iOS 19 could add desktop-like features when phones connect to external displays. The system might work like Stage Manager on iPads. Kuo believes all iPhone 17 models could have 12GB if shortages end soon. Memory suppliers Micron and SK Hynix will benefit from these changes.
Higher memory amounts raise production costs, which might lead to higher prices for consumers. Apple has not announced its final plans or the phones' costs. More details about the iPhone 17 Air should come later this year.
