RAM upgrade matches Pro models

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The ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air shown in a mock-up model. Photo: Lewis Hilsenteger

According to renowned Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the much-rumored iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with 12GB of RAM, matching the specs of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

In a blog post today, Kuo revealed that all three models - iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max - will share the same 12GB RAM configuration. This marks a change from Kuo’s earlier prediction that only the Pro Max variant would receive this upgrade, bringing welcome news to potential buyers of the other models.

Kuo also noted that even the standard iPhone 17 may receive 12GB of RAM, provided that current supply chain constraints are resolved.

All current iPhone 16 models are equipped with 8GB of RAM, so the leap to 12GB represents a significant performance upgrade. More memory enables better overall performance, especially in handling Apple Intelligence features and multitasking.

Even if the standard iPhone 17 sticks to 8GB of RAM, Kuo believes that the entire iPhone 18 lineup will adopt the 12GB standard.

He also observed that this memory upgrade is likely to benefit Apple’s RAM suppliers, such as Micron and SK Hynix.

Impressive ultra-thin design

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The iPhone 17 Air mock-up appears significantly thinner than other iPhone 17 models. Photo: Sonny Dickson

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The iPhone 17 Air mock-up is nearly as thin as the side buttons. Photo: Sonny Dickson

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iPhone 17 Air is almost as thin as the buttons. Photo: Sonny Dickson

If you missed the initial video of the iPhone 17 Air mock-up - the ultra-thin iPhone Apple is expected to debut later this year - tech leaker Sonny Dickson has just shared a new series of images showing the device next to other iPhone 17 models, clearly highlighting its impressively slim design.

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be only 5.5mm thick, with a slightly raised camera module, making it the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever released.

In comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro is reportedly around 8.725mm thick, and the difference is immediately apparent when seen side-by-side.

The iPhone 17 Air is so slim, it's nearly the same thickness as the physical side buttons. To ensure durability, rumors suggest Apple will use a combination of titanium and aluminum for the chassis. The goal is to avoid any recurrence of the “Bendgate” controversy that plagued the iPhone 6 Plus - something Apple and users alike are eager to prevent.

Initially, Apple considered a screen size larger than the current 6.6-inch plan, but abandoned the idea due to the increased risk of display warping under pressure. This reflects the company’s serious commitment to ensuring the durability of this ultra-thin device.

To achieve such a compact form, Apple is expected to include only a single rear camera, conserving space for the battery. The iPhone 17 Air will also support global eSIM and eliminate the physical SIM slot entirely. It will use Apple’s own energy-efficient C1 modem, first introduced with the iPhone 16e. As a result, Apple expects the iPhone 17 Air’s battery life to match that of current iPhone models.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in mid-September, following its usual release schedule. The 2025 models will include: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 17 Air.

Hai Phong (Macrumors, AppleInsider)