Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone 17 Air, promising a sleek, ultra-thin design at just 5.5mm thick. This new model is set to impress with a substantial 12GB of RAM, aligning it with the iPhone 17 Pro models in terms of power, while the base version might continue with 8GB of RAM, similar to current models. This bump in RAM for the iPhone 17 Air could significantly enhance its multitasking capabilities, positioning it as a compelling option especially if supply issues affect the base model.
The iPhone 17 Air is believed to take the place of the ‘Plus’ model in Apple’s lineup, but it is being marketed as a high-performance alternative. Whereas the iPhone 16 Plus retained the same internals as the base model, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple plans to elevate the iPhone 17 Air to the level of the ‘Pro’ models with its enhanced RAM.
Kuo also indicates that the base iPhone 17 could see an upgrade to 12GB of RAM, contingent on overcoming supply chain challenges. Apple is expected to reach a final decision on the RAM configuration for the base model by next month, as it approaches the crucial mass production phase.
While the entire iPhone 16 series is currently equipped with 8GB of RAM, Apple’s devices continue to perform exceptionally well, partly thanks to the powerful A18 chips. However, jumping to 12GB for the iPhone 17 Pro models and iPhone 17 Air could give these new devices the competitive edge needed to rival leading Android flagships, like the Galaxy S25, especially in terms of multitasking.
Moreover, there’s talk of iOS 19 introducing a Stage Manager-like interface with support for external displays. This development could be driving Apple to boost RAM to facilitate seamless multitasking and a lag-free experience. Should supply limitations be resolved early, Kuo believes all iPhone 17 models might feature 8GB of RAM.
Increasing the RAM will likely benefit Apple’s suppliers, Micron and SK Hynix. However, this enhancement might raise production costs and possibly lead to higher retail prices. The direction Apple will take remains a subject of speculation, and more details regarding the iPhone 17 Air’s specifications will be shared as they become available.
