Apple's 'iPhone 7 Plus' expected to pack 3GB of RAM into 'A10' CPU in late 2016
Apple's next-generation plus-sized iPhone model will feature even more RAM, reaching 3 gigabytes in total embedded into a next-generation "A10" processor, according to well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple iPhone 7 concept by Yasser Farahi.
Kuo's latest details from Apple suppliers were published in a research note Tuesday evening with KGI Securities, a copy of which was obtained by AppleInsider. In it, he revealed that while the 4.7-inch "iPhone 7" is expected to have the same 2 gigabytes of RAM as the iPhone 6s, the larger "iPhone 7 Plus" will add another gigabyte for even greater performance.
Despite the anticipated RAM difference, both phones are expected to run a next-generation mobile processor architecture from Apple, likely to be known as the "A10" CPU.
To date, the main differentiating factor for the 5.5-inch "Plus" models, aside from screen size, has been improved cameras. Specifically, both the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 6s Plus have exclusively boasted hardware optical image stabilization capabilities, which are not found in their smaller 4.7-inch counterparts.
It's likely that a new "iPhone 7" will debut in September of 2016, sticking with Apple's usual annual release pattern. It's also expected that Apple will introduce a revamped external design for next year's handset, though Kuo did not shed any details on those changes in Tuesday's report.
However, he previously revealed in September that the "iPhone 7" is on track to be Apple's thinnest iPhone yet, with the company said to be aiming to make the 2016 upgrade as thin as 6 millimeters. That would be even thinner than the latest iPod touch and iPad Air 2.
Kuo has an extremely strong track record in predicting Apple's future product plans. In particular, he correctly predicted all of the company's fall 2015 product updates, including a slightly thicker iPhone 6s with Series 7000 aluminum and Force Touch input, as well as a larger iPad Pro with pressure-sensitive stylus.
He also correctly predicted in April that Apple would not launch a new 4-inch iPhone model this year, though he said on Tuesday that he expects Apple will launch a metal handset with an A9 chip in that size in early 2016.
Apple iPhone 7 concept by Yasser Farahi.
Kuo's latest details from Apple suppliers were published in a research note Tuesday evening with KGI Securities, a copy of which was obtained by AppleInsider. In it, he revealed that while the 4.7-inch "iPhone 7" is expected to have the same 2 gigabytes of RAM as the iPhone 6s, the larger "iPhone 7 Plus" will add another gigabyte for even greater performance.
Despite the anticipated RAM difference, both phones are expected to run a next-generation mobile processor architecture from Apple, likely to be known as the "A10" CPU.
The iPhone 6 Plus features 1GB of RAM, while the iPhone 6s Plus doubles that to 2GB, but Apple is expected to add yet another gigabyte of memory to next year's 'iPhone 7 Plus'
To date, the main differentiating factor for the 5.5-inch "Plus" models, aside from screen size, has been improved cameras. Specifically, both the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 6s Plus have exclusively boasted hardware optical image stabilization capabilities, which are not found in their smaller 4.7-inch counterparts.
It's likely that a new "iPhone 7" will debut in September of 2016, sticking with Apple's usual annual release pattern. It's also expected that Apple will introduce a revamped external design for next year's handset, though Kuo did not shed any details on those changes in Tuesday's report.
However, he previously revealed in September that the "iPhone 7" is on track to be Apple's thinnest iPhone yet, with the company said to be aiming to make the 2016 upgrade as thin as 6 millimeters. That would be even thinner than the latest iPod touch and iPad Air 2.
Kuo has an extremely strong track record in predicting Apple's future product plans. In particular, he correctly predicted all of the company's fall 2015 product updates, including a slightly thicker iPhone 6s with Series 7000 aluminum and Force Touch input, as well as a larger iPad Pro with pressure-sensitive stylus.
He also correctly predicted in April that Apple would not launch a new 4-inch iPhone model this year, though he said on Tuesday that he expects Apple will launch a metal handset with an A9 chip in that size in early 2016.
Comments
What I would prefer to see as a focus over thinner is integrated wireless charging, waterproofing, and better battery life, as well as a sturdier frame. I see way too many bent iPhone 6's from normal day to day use.
Wallet open and ready.
better not let your wife / girlfriend hear that.
I see way too many bent iPhone 6's from normal day to day use.
None of them yours.
I would love to have 3GB on the plus. If Apple keeps making the plus the iPhone with all the best of the best I'll be extremely happy. Love the size, although it could slim the bezel down more, and the power it has.
If they are really increasing the ram to 3GB there is likely a reason. Possibly a new feature making heavy use of it like Siri processing voice on the device instead of requiring a network connection.
I see he is a well-connected analyst again.
Ming is not well connected. The man is nothing more than a charlatan who continually moves the goal posts when his predictions fail to come at his specified times. I really wish people would stop quoting him or referring to him as "Well connected"....
3 would seem odd. Normally we see 4 then 8 then 16 then 64
Android & Windows phones have had 3GB RAM for awhile now. Not that abnormal on smartphones.
I can see this 3GB of RAM in 7+ since it has larger screen and more pixels to drive. Currently, 6 outperforms 6+ because of this.
iPhone 7, again will be Apple best selling iPhone, 80 million units, here they come.
Maybe 3 GB of RAM will allow stupid Safari to not have to refresh every browser tab every time I go between them. HUGE waste of cellular data, and ruins all the work I may have spent typing into a form (like this one) while I go to another tab to do some fact-checking or research. That is an every day, billions of times a day throughout the world problem that Apple's current Safari browser in iOS presents, and it needs (needed) fixed a long time ago.
Also, how about a functional landscape mode in the Music app for the love of God or science or justice? Jeez.
Hmm. I should let someone who know better answer; but I heard browser tabs no longer refresh as you say
As for landscape Music App. I would guess that's a software thing, not a hardware thing.
Maybe 3 GB of RAM will allow stupid Safari to not have to refresh every browser tab every time I go between them. HUGE waste of cellular data, and ruins all the work I may have spent typing into a form (like this one) while I go to another tab to do some fact-checking or research. That is an every day, billions of times a day throughout the world problem that Apple's current Safari browser in iOS presents, and it needs (needed) fixed a long time ago.
Also, how about a functional landscape mode in the Music app for the love of God or science or justice? Jeez.
Pages used to reload all the time when I had my 4S (last month) but on my 6S Plus I've rarely seen a page reload even if I have a few tabs and other apps open. Are you on a new model phone?
So, things of note:
Ming is "well-connected" again, as @mike01 noted.
iPhone 7 will have a re-designed external chassis (pretty obvious to predict).
iPhone 7 will release in September (again, pretty obvious).
iPhone 7 Plus will have 3GB of RAM (speculation).
iPhone 7 will be the thinnest iPhone yet (finger-in-the-air, neither-here-nor-there prediction).
Damn, let me enjoy my 6S Plus before you open the floodgates of new rumours please!!