Renders of iPhone 16 Pro Max, which may be similar to iPhone 17 Pro Max
It may be very few days until Apple unveils iPhone 16 to the world, but new rumors about iPhone 17 Pro Max suggest that the on-device Apple Intelligence will get a big boost with 12GB of RAM.
Apple has heavily emphasized its commitment to Apple Intelligence as the near future of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac platforms. While the 2024 iPhone 16 series will focus on AI for all, it seems iPhone 17 will have a device built to push operating boundaries.
According to a post on X from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is looking to offer exclusive features for iPhone 17 Pro Max. Those include 12GB of RAM and vapor chamber cooling.
The standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the so-called iPhone 17 Slim would run on 8GB of RAM. While these models would have access to Apple Intelligence, only the iPhone 17 Pro Max gets boosted performance with on-device models.
Vapor Chamber cooling would be additive to the already existing graphene sheets rumored for iPhone 16. Increased cooling means more efficient operations when the processor is being pushed.
Among the 2025 new iPhone models, only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature the following specifications:
1. 12GB DRAM (while the ultra-thin iPhone, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and SE4 will all have 8GB). Enhanced on-device AI capabilities will likely be a major selling point for
— (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 29, 2024
Kuo suggests that Apple’s tendency to limit features for its flagship device is partially attributed to the demand for the model. If nearly 40% of new model shipments are Apple’s most expensive model, then introducing new, compelling features can help drive customers to that tier.
The analyst and rumor monger industry isn’t a perfect one. Ming-Chi Kuo has had ups and downs in predicting the future of iPhone, but component orders for RAM and cooling systems fit right into the things he tends to get right.
Kuo has also rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could get a 48MP sensor for the 120 mm lens. If so, then all cameras on the rear of that device would have a 48MP or greater sensor in 2025.
Apple is set to announce the iPhone 16 series during the “It’s Glowtime” Apple Event on September 9, 2024. About one year later, Apple will be announcing the iPhone 17 lineup, so expect a ton of rumors to come and go in the meantime.
