Rumors are swirling about the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, with mixed news on what Apple fans can expect. Initially, it was speculated that every model in this series would boast 12GB RAM, assuming Apple could navigate its supply chain hurdles. However, recent insights suggest that the company might not fully overcome these challenges. An analyst has offered some insights into the base model of the iPhone 17, and the news might disappoint some fans. This version won’t feature the cutting-edge A19 chip, which means it’ll stick with the A18 chip used in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Apple seems to be making strategic choices possibly aimed at reducing component costs. It’s reported that the more advanced iPhone 17 Air will include both a memory and chipset upgrade. According to analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities, as noted in MacRumors, the base iPhone 17 will continue with 8GB RAM and won’t get the new A19 chip. This places it at a disadvantage compared to its siblings in the lineup.
Consumers seeking the latest upgrades might turn to the iPhone 17 Air, which is rumored to include the A19 processor—set to be produced using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process—and an impressive 12GB of RAM. Interestingly, there’s also talk that earlier, only the ‘Pro’ versions would receive this memory upgrade and feature a vapor chamber cooler for better thermal management.
One reason for Apple’s potential scaling back could be the inclusion of an LTPO OLED panel in the base iPhone 17, which offers a high refresh rate. This addition likely increases production costs. Despite these adjustments, the iPhone 16 thrived as the top-selling smartphone in early 2025 without such enhancements, indicating that Apple might be willing to make these trade-offs due to the high expense associated with LTPO OLEDs.
With the base iPhone 17 expected to roll off production lines in large quantities, cost-cutting measures seem plausible. Only time will tell if these predictions hold true, as we’ll have to wait for Apple’s official announcement, expected in September.
