The buzz around artificial intelligence has put pressure on Apple, with some calling for a shift in leadership towards a more product-centric approach. However, with Tim Cook firmly at the helm, Apple is expected to concentrate on its primary revenue generator: the iPhone. Analysts suggest that while Apple lacks groundbreaking AI features to entice consumers to upgrade, the focus should be on the anticipated hardware of the iPhone 17 series.
Although revamped Siri features are on the horizon for 2026, previous disappointments in AI enhancements mean that Apple will need to spotlight other aspects of the iPhone 17 series to drive sales. The iPhone continues to be a significant contributor to Apple’s revenue, making the success of the iPhone 17 crucial for the company.
Despite early hopes that AI might quicken the renewal cycle, analysts noted these expectations were short-lived and failed to enhance user experience as showcased during the WWDC 2024 keynote. The recommendation now is for Apple to pivot and emphasize the iPhone 17’s hardware capabilities more heavily.
HSBC analysts believe that improved specifications compared to the iPhone 16 series will meet consumer demand. Rumors suggest that with the A19 and A19 Pro chips, Apple may emphasize efficiency over sheer performance, potentially trailing behind competitors like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and Dimensity 9500. This focus could, however, lead to superior battery life for the iPhone 17 models, excluding the iPhone 17 Air.
For the first time, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a 5,000mAh battery, and Apple may introduce 12GB of RAM to the lineup. This increase in memory would support more efficient multitasking and prepare for future on-device AI features. Even if Apple isn’t leading the AI race, appealing hardware specs could still attract upgraders. Stay tuned for more updates as details unfold.
