Some phones are eager to add RAM, such as the OnePlus 12, which supports up to 24GB of RAM. However, we should not expect that from the Samsung Galaxy S24 or iPhone 16. Both models will have the exact same RAM configuration as the previous model.

This is from Twitter/X leaker @Tech_Reve, citing Mizuho Securities. They note that while increased memory capacity is important to boost AI capabilities on devices, handset makers seem to be taking a more conservative approach to incorporating higher memory capacities.

Tech_Reve argues that this has two causes. One is the age-old problem of semiconductor prices being too expensive to increase RAM capacity in smartphones in 2024. Another problem is that there is currently no "killer" content for on-device AI, so such a move would seem rather futile.

Apple, in particular, has always been fairly conservative with the amount of RAM on the iPhone for this reason. iOS and iPhone are made by the same company and are optimized to work together, resulting in less resource requirements. This is why the iPhone 15 still has 6GB of RAM while Android phone manufacturers have been offering 8GB to 12GB of RAM for the past few years.

If this report is accurate, it means that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will likely have 6GB of RAM, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will likely have 8GB of RAM. What this means for the iPhone 16 Ultra is unclear and will undoubtedly depend on what features this phone has and whether it is a different device than the Pro Max model.

Also, the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus will have 8GB of RAM, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may again come in 8GB and 12GB configurations. However, rumor has it we may also get a Plus variant with 12GB of RAM along with the expected 8GB model.

The iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 are both said to have enhanced AI capabilities. For Apple, this means Siri upgrades, unique features, action buttons on lower-priced models, and potential performance upgrades. Samsung is rumored to offer live AI translation, generative text assistance, and additional camera tricks and upgrades.

As useful as these features may eventually become, they apparently do not warrant any kind of memory boost. It is unclear what the impact will be on the device and its features, but at least it means that consumers will not risk incurring the cost of additional RAM that may or may not be necessary.