Relating to the quantity of RAM (which Apple refers to as “unified memory” in its A- and M-series chips) in Apple iPhones, iPads, and Macs, there was a disconnect over what customers need (extra) and what Apple thinks you want (much less). Apple has not modified its stance, however its personal upcoming improvements are inflicting it to lastly do what customers demand.
Take, for instance, a latest report on Weibo that comes from Taiwan. “Mobile Phone Expert,” who has made correct studies up to now, mentioned the iPhone 17 subsequent 12 months may have 12GB of RAM. That might be greater than the present 8GB within the iPhone 15 Execs and the upcoming iPhone 16, which might be revealed on the Glowtime occasion on September 9. The rationale for the rise: Apple Intelligence.
As a normal rule, AI is processor-intensive, inflicting many AI implementations to show to the cloud. Apple, nonetheless, needs to carry out as a lot of its Apple Intelligence options as it may on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac to keep up consumer privateness. Meaning it must configure its {hardware} to accommodate AI, which incorporates rising the quantity of RAM in its units.
In its preliminary compatibility record for Apple Intelligence, Apple lists units that every one have not less than 8GB of reminiscence, which is the minimal wanted to run the AI options. So why the enhance to 12GB within the iPhone 17? Presumably, in order that extra on-device capabilities could be carried out; an 8GB system would most likely want to show to the cloud for AI processing extra continuously. Apple is regularly rolling out its first spherical of Apple Intelligence options over the subsequent a number of months, so it’s secure to imagine there might be a brand new raft of options unveiled for iOS 19 subsequent 12 months.
Rumor additionally has it that Apple is rising the quantity of RAM within the M4 for Macs, too. And the upcoming iPad mini will presumably get a lift to 8GB of RAM as nicely, twice the present mannequin’s 4GB. On-device AI processing appears to be a high precedence for Apple–it’s a key differentiator for its AI implementation over others. And due to AI, customers could lastly get what they wished for some time.