Apple is said to introduce a 12GB RAM upgrade to its iPhone 17 family for the first time, enabling the company’s newer models to deliver an enhanced experience when multitasking, gaming, and running generative AI-related workloads. Like the previous occasion, the RAM count bump is said to arrive to the more expensive ‘Pro’ models, with the latest report stating that Samsung will handle 70 percent of all DRAM orders for Apple. The Korean giant has been the Cupertino giant’s primary supply chain partner for OLED panels for several years, and now, it has successfully penetrated into another category.
The remaining demand will reportedly be met by SK hynix and Micron, with Apple said to finalize its discussion with manufacturers
A report was published by ETNews, with the details spotted by tipster @Jukanlosreve highlighting Apple’s plans to finalize 12GB RAM orders to use in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Based on this information, it appears that the base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will continue to ship with 8GB RAM, though it was hinted earlier that the entire series will be treated to the RAM upgrade. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has commented that if Apple could not resolve its supply chain problems concerning mobile DRAM, then the base iPhone 17 would be the only model to ship with 8GB RAM.
In the latest update, Samsung is said to secure the majority of orders, with the report stating that the Korean manufacturer will handle 70 percent of all 12GB RAM orders. The remaining 30 percent is expected to be fulfilled by SK hynix and Micron. As for why Apple could have enlisted three suppliers just for the memory chips, it is estimated that this 12GB RAM upgrade is around 50 percent more expensive than 8GB RAM. With more suppliers added to the fold, Apple will be in a much better position to negotiate better deals with these manufacturers.
Samsung may not handle the manufacturing by its lonesome, as it could leverage assistance from its Electro-Mechanics division to ease some pressure. Similarly, SK hynix is said to team up with LG Innotek, and Micron reportedly forming a tag-team with Japan’s Shinko Electric to keep up with demand. It is still unconfirmed if this 12GB RAM upgrade will be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, so it is crucial to treat these details with a pinch of salt, and we will update our readers in the future.
News Source: ETNews
