Investing.com -- Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL )’s new iPhone 17 models, set to launch in the second half of 2025, are anticipated to be equipped with 12GB of DRAM, according to the latest industry surveys by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This includes the Pro Max, Pro, and ultra-thin versions, a change from Kuo’s previous forecast that only the Pro Max model would receive this upgrade.
The tech giant also plans to fit the iPhone 17 base model with the same 12GB DRAM, but potential supply shortages could pose a challenge. Apple is currently finalizing its evaluation and is expected to reach a decision by May 2025.
Kuo also indicated that if the iPhone 17 base model retains its current 8GB DRAM this year, all new iPhone models released in the second half of 2026 are projected to feature 12GB DRAM.
The average selling price (ASP) for 12GB DRAM is approximately 50% higher than for 8GB, which could significantly benefit main suppliers Micron (NASDAQ: MU ) and SK Hynix. Kuo suggests that this more ambitious DRAM upgrade strategy by Apple is a response to increasing competition in the smartphone market.
In terms of growth potential, Micron might have an advantage over SK Hynix due to its smaller AI HBM shipment base, according to Kuo’s analysis.
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