This year’s iPhone 17 is shaping up to be a bit of a surprise, not in the best way. A new report suggests the base model won’t benefit from the performance boost many hoped for, despite rumors of a larger display. Using the same chipset and RAM as its predecessor, is Apple playing it too safe?
According to GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 17, due to launch in September 2025, will feature a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16. If you plan on streaming or multitasking, that’s a nice upgrade. The iPhone 17 will reportedly keep the same A18 chip and 8GB of RAM as the iPhone 16, which is puzzling. Apple’s iPhone 17 Air, Pro, and Pro Max are all expected to have the A19 chip with 12GB of RAM, leaving the base model behind.
According to Pu’s note, Apple may have scrapped plans to bump up the iPhone 17’s RAM to match its siblings. If the iPhone 17 retains the A18 chip, it will become less competitive, especially in the advanced AI arena.
The A18 powers the iPhone 16 well and is efficient, but continuing with it may signal Apple’s push toward pricier Pro models or the ultra-slim Air.
With iOS 26, the iPhone 17 is rumoured to include new tricks like external display support, a 48MP camera, and an IP68 rating. However, due to its lack of a chip or RAM upgrade, it may get overshadowed by its more flashy siblings. Until WWDC on June 9 sheds more light, the iPhone 17 seems like a bigger screen in last year’s clothes.
