iPhone 4 Confirmed to Have 512MB of RAM (Twice the iPad and 3GS)

[MacRumors]

Since the launch of the original iPhone, Apple has made efforts to hide some of the actual tech specs of the device from consumers. Apple has never advertised or even published the processor speed or amount of RAM found in the iPhone. Arguably, Apple is trying to shield customers from these technical distractions and instead trying to focus on overall functionality.

More technically inclined customers, however, still love to know what they have to work with. The original iPhone and iPhone 3G contained 128MB of RAM, while the iPhone 3GS was boosted to 256MB of RAM. Similarly, the iPad contains 256MB of RAM. This discrepancy offers a technical explanation why Apple is not supporting iOS 4 features such as multi-tasking on the original and 3G iPhone -- there simply isn't enough RAM.

We have since confirmed that the upcoming iPhone 4's RAM has again been upgraded. This will bring it to a total of 512MB of RAM, twice as much as the 3GS and iPad. This number actually contradicts tear down photos of a prototype iPhone 4 that was leaked to the internet. An analysis of that prototype device showed it only carried 256MB of RAM. The 512MB figure, however, does agree with a Digitimes report from May 17th that confirmed a 960x640 screen resolution, thinner display, and indeed 512MB of RAM. We had heard that Apple confirmed this 512MB figure during one of the WWDC sessions last week, and have now verified this.

The added RAM should help overall performance and multi-tasking on the new iPhone 4. It could also explain why the iMovie App that Apple introduced at WWDC will only run on the iPhone 4. Apple has said iMovie will only run on the iPhone 4 and not the 3GS or even the iPad. It seems conceivable that it actually makes use of the extra RAM offered by the iPhone 4.


Article Link: iPhone 4 Confirmed to Have 512MB of RAM (Twice the iPad and 3GS)

[WilliamG]

Who confirmed it? I don't believe it till there's a new teardown. I sure hope it's true, of course.

[Simgar988]

Dang so much for my fancy ipad

[ajsnow6234]

Originally Posted by Simgar988

Dang so much for my fancy ipad

iPad 2 will probably be great.... can't wait!

[Craiger]

This is great news!! That was my one concern about the iPhone 4. I wish they would have put 512 in the iPad. No news on the clock speed yet?

[arn]

Originally Posted by WilliamG

Who confirmed it? I don't believe it till there's a new teardown. I sure hope it's true, of course.

Apple confirmed it. At WWDC.

arn

[Peace]

This makes me wonder why Apple only put in 256MB on the iPad. Good for the iPhone though.

[chim9999]

Multi-tasking will sure benefit from that. And I can't wait to try iMovie (so glad it's only going to be $4.99).

7 more days, 7 more days, 7 more days!

[andiwm2003]

If it is true then the useful lifetime of the iPad just got shortened quite a bit. If it already has much less ram then it's just a matter of time till the newest OS won't support it anymore.

Ah well, technology. It will be ok for two to three years. Then it's time to update anyway.

[DylanLikesPorn]

iPad already obsolete. Go Apple!

[timotheezz]

My iPad's 256MB RAM and non-Retina Display make it seem ... ugh.

[B Gallagher]

Wow, if this is true then it's really good news. Still, that's how much RAM shipped with my PowerBook close to five years ago. Crazy!

[BC2009]

That's awesome that they put 512mb in the new iPhone -- that was the one missing hardware upgrade in my opinion. I just wish I could upgrade my iPad to do the same because iMovie would be an awesome experience on the iPad. In fact, working in iMovie recently I was thinking it would be nice if they had an iPad version of it.

[MacsRgr8]

Originally Posted by Peace

This makes me wonder why Apple only put in 256MB on the iPad. Good for the iPhone though.

Indeed...???

Must admit I don't seem to miss the extra 256 MB ATM.. probably will be missing it once iPad 2 is out with iOS 4 and some gr8 new games that will require 512 MB RAM...

[Craiger]

Originally Posted by arn

Apple confirmed it. At WWDC.

arn

It's sort of odd that it took this long for it to leak out of WWDC.

[robotmonkey]

The ipad, though always sort of niche and dumb, has now been rendered completely useless.

[F123D]

Can't wait for the iPhone!

Guess I'll wait for the newer model iPad before I buy one for my mom.

[Robbadore64]

Originally Posted by Peace

This makes me wonder why Apple only put in 256MB on the iPad. Good for the iPhone though.

...yet another reason for people like me to sell my iPad and buy the new one when it comes out. Hoping an iMovie app will come out for the iPad when the next one is released.

Anyway, I'm even a little more excited now to get my new iPhone Thursday!!!

[RageRoyalty]

This thing is gonna be blazing fast!!!

[f00f]

Ah. Nice! iOS platforms get a pinch more fragmented. 'Tis evolution for the better so long as the old stuff is drop-supported ASAP!

[MrMach7]

FINALLY, jesus

apple playing with the big boys after about a year

[Passels]

Originally Posted by Craiger

This is great news!! That was my one concern about the iPhone 4. I wish they would have put 512 in the iPad. No news on the clock speed yet?

I believe the clock speed for the iPhone 4 is 1ghz vs the 3GS which has 600mhz

[Robbadore64]

Originally Posted by robotmonkey

The ipad, though always sort of niche and dumb, has now been rendered completely useless.

Well that's about the dumbest thing I've heard all day. On a side note, I just remembered I know how to walk so I guess that means my car is completely useless.

[powers74]

Yeee-haw!

[UTVOL06]

awsome news! I was thinking it would be 256mb since i never saw mention of more from wwdc..apparently more discussion went on about whats under the hood. 512mb will help a whole lot in multitasking and overall system stability.