Apple's upcoming iPhone lineup may see a significant performance gap between models, according to recent reports. While earlier rumors suggested all iPhone 17 models would feature 12GB of RAM, new information indicates this upgrade may be exclusive to the top-tier iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will boast 12GB of RAM, while the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Slim (potentially referred to as 'Air' in some reports) will retain 8GB. This aligns with the RAM expected in the upcoming iPhone SE 4.
The RAM disparity could allow Apple to position the Pro Max as its AI powerhouse. With 12GB of RAM, the device may support more advanced on-device AI features compared to its 8GB counterparts.
Beyond memory, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to receive exclusive cooling upgrades. Kuo reports it will feature an advanced thermal management system combining vapor chamber technology with graphite sheets. Other iPhone 17 models will use only graphite sheets, potentially leading to performance differences even among devices sharing the same A19 Pro chip.
This strategy of differentiation makes sense given the Pro Max's importance to Apple's bottom line. Kuo notes the larger 'Pro' model accounts for nearly 40% of iPhone sales and is a key revenue driver.
While Apple plans to equalize camera hardware across 'Pro' models, the performance gap could entice buyers to the pricier Pro Max. The additional RAM may enable superior multitasking, raising questions about potential new iOS features like split-screen functionality.
As always with early rumors, these specifications could change before the iPhone 17 lineup launches. However, the reports paint a picture of Apple further distinguishing its most premium offering in meaningful ways beyond just screen size.