Disappointing: Apple iPhone 17 Base Model May Miss Performance Boost
The iPhone 17 could have 8GB RAM, similar to the iPhone 16.
The base model of the iPhone 17 is not garnering a lot of excitement, partly because its features are said to be a tad disappointing.
According to a research report published by Apple analyst Jeff Pu with equities research firm GF Securities, the entry-level iPhone 17 will house the same A18 chip that its predecessor—base iPhone 16—has.
Pu anticipates that the iPhone 17 will have 8GB RAM, similar to the iPhone 16. According to him, the chip would still be produced using TSMC’s N3E second-generation 3nm technology.
iPhone 17 Base Model Could Lag Behind Other Models In Performance
If this report turns out to be true, iPhone 17’s base model could lag behind the series’ other models when it comes to performance. It is anticipated that iPhone 17 Pro versions will contain an A19 Pro chip, while the rumoured iPhone 17 Air will have an A19 chip. It is anticipated that these devices will be produced using TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process, or N3P.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also stated last month that iPhone 17 Pro versions and the iPhone 17 Air will come with 12GB of RAM. This will be an upgrade from the current generation’s 8GB RAM. However, the same cannot be said with certainty for the base model. Kuo said Apple was still debating between 8GB and 12GB for the entry-level iPhone 17.
Pu’s new report strengthens the possibility that iPhone 17’s base model could pack the same A18 chip paired with 8GB RAM. Considering that Apple’s future is all about AI-powered features, performance might take a hit.
Base iPhone 17 Expected Features
While the general design may be the same, the base iPhone 17 may have slight feature upgrades over the iPhone 16: 24MP front camera and a 120Hz, 6.3-inch display (compared to iPhone 16’s 12MP front camera and 60Hz, 6.1-inch screen).
The Apple iPhone 17 series is expected to debut in September.
