Mike Wuerthele
The DRAM industry is expecting to see growth in the third quarter of 2016, buoyed by supply chain sources predicting a boost in application RAM to 3 gigabytes in the forthcoming "iPhone 7," though it's still unclear whether the additional memory will only be found in the larger "Plus" model.
Unspecified supply chain sources cited by DigiTimes are expecting an increase to 3 gigabytes of RAM in the iPhone 7, versus 2 gigabytes currently. The move, if it happens, will assist the overall industry as production cuts forced by an industry-wide slowdown have resulted in a tight supply of DRAM chips, which has increased pricing across the board.
The report points to chip manufacturers Macronix International and Powertech Technology (PTI) having both increased earnings estimates based on increasing demand from unspecified smartphone manufacturers. The increases are unusual and notable in a stagnant overall RAM and mobile market.
The report echoes a similar prediction made from KGI Securities analyst Ming Cho Kuo in November 2015, though he said the 3-gigabyte boost would only be found in the larger 5.5-inch "iPhone 7 Plus" version. Wednesday's report simply mentioned the "iPhone 7."
It is not known if DigiTimes is parroting the earlier report, or has an independent source with specific details beyond just increases in earnings estimates. However, the publication has a poor track record in predicting Apple's specific future product plans, meaning the possibility of a 4.7-inch "iPhone 7" sporting 3 gigabytes of RAM should be viewed with skepticism.
Recent reports suggest that the fall 2016 iPhone 7 won't have a major exterior redesign, as there is "new technology in the pipeline" that is taking time to fully exploit. Parts and details leaked from manufacturing suggest that the design is nearly identical to that of the iPhone 6s, minus the headphone jack.
The 2015 iPad Pro 12.7-inch model is the only iOS device to exceed 2 gigabytes of RAM — it doubles that, with 4 gigabytes. The iPhone 6s, 6s plus, and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro all have 2 gigabytes of RAM.
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40 Comments
Sounds like an iPhone "PRO" to me ...
Seems like Apple is trying to position the Plus as a must have phone for those wanting everything but the kitchen sink, with a price tag to go with it, thereby increasing Apple's bottom line whether sale pick up substantially or not ...
mac_128 said:
I agree.
It is pretty much fact at least one 5.5" iPhone will have 3GB of RAM at this point.
Still think I am waiting for 2017.
But but but...I thought 1GB was just fine and any more was bad because it would allow developers to built inefficient apps. :wink:
If the added DRAM equates to big benchmark scores that dominant the competition, translating to real-world usability improvements, I'm all for the added expense. Apple typically does not engage rivals, like Samsung, in the specs game, but in this case, if it shows the world that Apple knows how to effectively harness the added power, unlike its rivals, bring it!
I have the feeling that iphone 8 will no longer have the RAM as the flash storage will be 3D XPoint.