iPhone 17 Pro Max to feature 12GB RAM, advanced cooling
What's the story
Apple's iPhone 17 series is expected to be launched in September 2025. Although the launch is over a year away, the flagship model, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is rumored to boast significant upgrades over its predecessor. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this premium device will feature an impressive memory boost and an advanced cooling system. These enhancements are set to differentiate it from other models in the lineup.
RAM upgrade
Device will get a memory boost
Kuo predicts that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be equipped with a substantial 12GB of RAM. This is a significant increase from the current standard of 8GB found in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup and expected in the upcoming iPhone 16 series. The other models in Apple's next-generation lineup, including the standard iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone SE4, and an ultra-thin version dubbed "iPhone 17 Slim," are all expected to retain an 8GB memory capacity.
Cooling upgrade
Advanced cooling system to be onboard
In addition to the memory boost, Kuo also anticipates that Apple will introduce an advanced cooling system in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This system is expected to combine vapor chamber (VC) technology with graphite sheets, offering superior thermal management. However, this advanced cooling feature is predicted to be exclusive to the Pro Max model, while other models in the series may continue using only graphite sheets for heat dissipation.
Market strategy
Apple's strategy to differentiate Pro Max
Kuo notes that the iPhone Pro Max currently accounts for nearly 40% of new model shipments. He suggests that Apple's strategy is to distinguish this model from its non-Max counterparts by offering superior specifications exclusively for it. This approach aligns with earlier predictions made by analyst Jeff Pu in May, who also anticipated an increase in RAM for next year's Pro models along with the introduction of an A19 Pro chip.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Kuo's post
Among the 2025 new iPhone models, only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature the following specifications:
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 29, 2024
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…