All 2017 iPhones may pack 3GB of RAM and faster charging

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iPhone 8 concept
Same size as the iPhone 7, but with a bigger screen.
Photo: Martin Hajek

Charging your iPhone is about to get a lot faster in 2017, according to a new report that also claims Apple plans to add 3GB of RAM to all three of its new iPhone models this year.

In a research note sent to investors, Wall Street firm Cowen and Company contradicts previous rumors that claimed only Apple’s high-end iPhone 8 would get the RAM boost. If true, the new memory chips should make the iPhone speedier than ever.

Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri told investors he expects storage options on all the devices to stay the same this year, with 256GB being the largest option. MacRumors posted an excerpt of his note with predictions for all three 2017 iPhone sizes:

“In terms of memory/storage configuration, all three models will likely adopt 3GB RAM; the 4.7”/5.5” will likely have the same storage options as the current iPhone 7/7+ in 32/128/256GB while the 5.8” model looks to be only offered in two memory configurations: 64GB and 256GB. Finally, the 5.8” model will likely have extended battery life with two packs of batteries.”

Rumored iPhone 8 features

Apple added 3GB of RAM to the iPhone 7 Plus last year. A previous rumor from TrendForce claimed Apple would only add more RAM to the 5.8-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones.

Fast charging has also been mentioned by KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo, who says Apple will use USB-C to bring speedier battery charging. Other features could include wireless inductive charging, a bezel-free display on the premium iPhone 8, improved cameras, Touch ID embedded into the display and more.

Apple isn’t expected to announce the new iPhone lineup until this fall.

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