Apple Intelligence is anticipated to be a key feature in both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series. Some of Apple's latest AI capabilities have been withheld from older iPhone models, reportedly due to inadequate memory capacity.
A recent report from Weibo user "Mobile phone chip expert" (translated from Chinese) suggests that the iPhone 17 series might boast 12GB of RAM, marking a significant leap from the rumored 8GB RAM in the iPhone 16 series.
Enhanced AI Capabilities in iPhone 17
The increase in RAM could enable the iPhone 17 lineup to support more complex on-device AI functionalities compared to the iPhone 16 models. Presently, many Apple Intelligence features depend on cloud processing, which can pose privacy concerns. Transitioning to on-device processing in the iPhone 17 series could be an appealing factor, especially for users prioritizing privacy.
Jeff Pu, an analyst from Haitong International Securities, had previously stated that the iPhone 17 Pro models would include 12GB of RAM. However, the latest rumor does not specify whether this enhancement will be available across the entire iPhone 17 lineup or just the Pro versions.
iPhone 16 Series and AI Evolution
Rumors suggest the iPhone 16 series will feature a more advanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU), facilitating more sophisticated AI applications. Yet, with only 8GB of RAM, it might not fully harness on-device AI capabilities, which could be a downside for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users contemplating an upgrade.
In comparison, the iPhone 17 series, especially the Pro models, could advance Apple's focus on edge AI. The 12GB RAM might also allow game developers to introduce higher-quality textures in certain mobile games.
Long-Term Outlook for iPhone 16
Regarding the iPhone 16 series, Angelo Zino, a technology analyst at CFRA Research, noted that expectations are subdued since the rollout of new AI features will span several years. He mentioned that an enhanced Siri could be introduced as late as 2025.
