iPhone 17 to be an underwhelming upgrade
Recent rumors stirred excitement by suggesting the iPhone 17 would come with a larger 6.3″ display, matching the screen size of the Pro model—an apparent step forward from the 6.1″ screen on the iPhone 16. With such a notable upgrade in physical size, many expected Apple to pair it with significant internal improvements as well. However, a new research note by Jeff Pu of GF Securities suggests that won’t be the case.
According to the report, the iPhone 17 will be powered by the same A18 chip and 8GB of RAM as its predecessor, the iPhone 16. This means that despite the larger screen, the performance and multitasking capabilities will remain unchanged. This is in stark contrast to the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup—Air, Pro, and Pro Max—which are all expected to get the new A19 chip and 12GB of RAM, marking a more substantial upgrade in terms of power and efficiency.
This decision raises questions about Apple’s strategy. Choosing not to upgrade the chip or memory could make the standard iPhone 17 seem like a minor iteration rather than a true next-generation device. It might also be a deliberate move to push consumers toward the more premium—and more profitable—models. With only a screen size change setting it apart from the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 may struggle to stand out in a highly competitive market.