iPhone 17 Air Leak: In a thrilling development for Apple fans, new rumors suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17 Air will feature a massive upgrade to 12GB of RAM, putting it on par with the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models.
According to reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Air — expected to debut with an ultra-thin design — won’t just be about aesthetics. Kuo revealed in a recent blog post that Apple plans to equip the Air, Pro, and Pro Max models with 12GB of RAM, a substantial boost from the 8GB RAM currently standard across the iPhone 16 series.
Previously, 12GB of RAM was rumored to be exclusive to the high-end Pro Max model. This new leak is exciting news for users eyeing the more accessible iPhone 17 Air, as it promises Pro-level performance without necessarily having to pay Pro Max prices.
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iPhone 17 Air Leak: iPhone 17 Air Rumored to Get 12GB RAM Like Pro Models
What About the Base iPhone 17?
While the standard iPhone 17 is still expected to retain 8GB of RAM, Kuo hinted that Apple may still equip it with 12GB, depending on how supply chain challenges are resolved. A final decision on this will reportedly be made by May.
If Apple manages to roll out 12GB of RAM across all models, it would represent one of the biggest memory upgrades in recent iPhone history. As Apple increasingly leans into on-device AI and Apple Intelligence features, the extra RAM will be crucial for enhancing multitasking, accelerating AI-driven tasks, and future-proofing the devices for years to come.
Why More RAM Matters for Apple Intelligence
Apple’s next-gen AI initiatives demand higher performance, and RAM plays a critical role in handling complex tasks locally on the device. In the past, models like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced 8GB RAM primarily to enable these AI capabilities.
Now, with the leap to 12GB RAM in the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models, Apple is clearly preparing its devices for a future dominated by generative AI, smarter on-device processing, and more sophisticated multitasking than ever before.
Kuo also predicts that all iPhone 18 models in 2026 will adopt 12GB RAM as standard — reinforcing the trend of Apple boosting its memory capacities across its entire product lineup, from iPhones to iPads and Macs.
What This Means for the iPhone 17 Launch
The iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled during Apple’s traditional September event. If these RAM upgrades are confirmed, the iPhone 17 Air could become the perfect sweet spot — offering premium specs in a sleek, lightweight form factor, without reaching the Pro Max’s premium price tag.
Apple fans and tech enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on how these rumors develop over the coming months. Stay tuned — the iPhone 17 Air might just be the most exciting iPhone release in years!
FAQs
Will the iPhone 17 Air have 12GB of RAM?
Yes, according to leaks, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have 12GB of RAM, just like the Pro models.
Is the iPhone 17 Air thinner than the regular iPhone 17?
Yes, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be ultra-thin compared to the standard iPhone 17.
Read more: iPhone 17e Set for May 2026 Launch: Apple Eyes Budget Market with Trial Production Starting Soon
