Samsung Expected to Supply 70% of Apple’s 12GB RAM Orders for iPhone 17 Series, Upgrade Limited to ‘Pro’ Models

The Upcoming Apple iPhone 17 Family: A RAM Upgrade on the Horizon

Exciting developments are underway as Apple prepares to roll out a significant upgrade for its iPhone 17 lineup. Reports indicate that for the first time, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature 12GB of RAM. This enhancement is expected to greatly improve performance, particularly in multitasking, gaming, and handling generative AI tasks. Importantly, this upgrade is anticipated to be exclusive to the premium ‘Pro’ models of the series, maintaining the standard 8GB RAM in the base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models.

According to insights shared by ETNews and noted by tech tipster @Jukanlosreve, Apple is poised to finalize its orders for the new 12GB RAM. Despite previous suggestions that all models in the iPhone 17 family might receive this upgrade, analysts, including renowned expert Ming-Chi Kuo, caution that if Apple encounters supply chain challenges with mobile DRAM, the base model may remain limited to 8GB.

Samsung’s Dominance in DRAM Supply

Samsung has emerged as a pivotal player in Apple’s DRAM sourcing, reportedly managing 70% of the orders for the upcoming 12GB RAM. This strategic partnership builds on Samsung’s established role as Apple’s key supplier of OLED panels for many years. The increase in RAM specifications also implies a substantial cost, with the new 12GB configurations estimated to be around 50% more expensive than their 8GB counterparts. The diversification of chip suppliers is likely a strategic move by Apple to enhance its bargaining power and secure better pricing.

It is noteworthy that Samsung may not solely undertake the production of these memory chips. The company is expected to collaborate with its Electro-Mechanics division to alleviate production pressures. However, details on whether the 12GB RAM upgrade will be exclusive to the Pro models remain uncertain, prompting a cautious approach while awaiting further confirmations.

As the industry watches closely, any developments in this area will be reported promptly to our readers.

Source: ETNews

Source & Images