iPhone 6s to only have 1GB of RAM?!!!

[nordique]

Oh I don't disagree - I, for one, would prefer Apple puts 2GB in. I've never said otherwise. What I have an issue with is that everyone seems to think it's a miracle cure for everything (especially safari), and that if it don't have 2GB it's going to be some kind of disaster (rather ironically, a couple of people in this thread who are saying they're not going to upgrade their 6 to a 6S if it hasn't got 2GB of RAM are the same people who said last year they wouldn't buy a 6 if it didn't have 2GB).

It definitely won't be a miracle cure, I agree with you there - but I wouldn't disregard others' experiences if they've had negative experiences due to RAM limitations

RAM limitations do seem to be more pronounced with the 6+ (though whether that is directly related to the RAM or related more to the additional processing tasks the 6+ needs to do, is another discussion entirely) and I can understand why those users especially would be more inclined to hope for a RAM increase

When one spends that much money on a "premium" smart phone, it can amplify frustrations users have. Other aspects of the 6+ are fantastic - the screen is arguably the best LCD in a smart phone, it's crisp with beautiful colours and high resolution; the A8 is a very powerful chip to this day.

I am quite content with my 5s, which is also a 64 bit device that only has 1GB of RAM, but I can still understand where users who are critical about the RAM are coming from - not everyone who is adamant about 2GB of RAM wants it just to complain. Some people are experiencing issues they feed would be addressed, and if the Air 2 is evidence for what extra RAM can do for an iOS device, then those users may have a point.

 

[Girder_Shade]

Is there any way in iOS to see how much RAM is being used at any time like on Android?
I'm guessing not but would be a good indicator how much is being used by the system and apps.

Keep in mind I'm a current Android user making the switch to the 6s next month.

 

[solodogg]

Whatever man. My 6+ has been an underspecced POS since day one and whether you think so or not, it needs more RAM. Even for basic use, let alone 'power users'.
Lollipop doesn't really use much more RAM than KitKat and yet the Note 5 has 4GB of RAM compared to the Note 4 with 3GB. Samsung have upped the spec 12 months later as they should. Apple take note.

I don't understand why people defend Apple with the logic that having 1 gig of RAM is a "feature" of the iPhone or something. Like Apple is just so awesome at programming they are limiting the device to 1 gig of RAM just to show off. Let's not pretend that 1 gig of RAM is the same as having 2 gigs. Fact is, no matter how "efficient" IOS is, having 2 gigs of RAM allows people to open up more apps or browser tabs as opposed to less.

Besides, Android might be less efficient then IOS, but with 4 gigs of RAM the Note 4 still has an advantage at this point in terms of memory. Let's not forget that IOS 8 was the crappiest IOS release ever. No, fact is, Apple doesn't deserve a defense right now. Come over to our side and complain about 1 gig of RAM, it's the right thing to do.

Stop trying to defend the iPhone having only 1GB of RAM. Do you really use your phone? Do you switch between apps a lot?

For example, I could be using Twitter. Then, I switch over to Alien Blue to read Reddit for a bit. I follow a few links and read them in Safari. When I come back to Twitter, the app has to reload from scratch because it was killed due to lack of memory. With a 2GB iPhone, more apps (a LOT more apps, since you'll be getting more than double the available memory when you consider overhead) will be able to stay resident at a time. Battery life will improve too, because you won't have to be hitting the flash disk (which uses more power) to relaunch the app. It will already be there in RAM.

It's time for 2GB of RAM on iOS devices. The iPad Air 2 has benefited greatly from it. Yes, Android is inefficient and needs 4GB of RAM. iOS is a lot more efficient, that's why it only needs 2GB.

You're spending a lot of time trying to justify mediocrity. We need to move forward! This is the longest amount of time the RAM size of the iPhone has remained unchanged.

so...like I said earlier, you have options, SWITCH! Quit complaining about a device not having the best specs in the world. Apple has been very blatant in not advertising processor speed, RAM, etc. because they have no intention of competing in a numbers game. If you don't like the device, there are plenty of other options for you guys out there.

FWIW, I use my device VERY heavily on a daily basis, switching back and forth between multiple documents, spreadsheets, mail, etc., and never a single issue. You are the 1% that are expecting Apple to change and do something they have no intention of doing. Switch to a phone that has every interest in the whole "my peepee is bigger than your peepee" mentality, and you will be much happier. But it's awful funny how much better performing my 6 is with 1GB of ram than most phones with 2, 3, and 4GB.

 

[lagwagon]

Is there any way in iOS to see how much RAM is being used at any time like on Android?
I'm guessing not but would be a good indicator how much is being used by the system and apps.

Keep in mind I'm a current Android user making the switch to the 6s next month.

I'm sure there are some apps. But me personally, I wouldn't want any app running all the time that monitors my system. Waste of resources. Especially like OS X, iOS is very efficient with ram.

 

[lagwagon]

To me I haven't ran into too many instances of lacking ram. I've had some Safari tab reloads but never any re-springs or anything.

For me 2gb is needed so that Apple can push iOS forward with more features and more advanced features. (If all your devices offered only have 1gb, it limits you to what you can develope for the OS.) As of right now, they've pretty much hit the top of what 1gb can do.

 

[Brian Y]

I couldn't care less if numpties only use their iPhone for calls and Facebook. I need more RAM and I want more RAM. The 6+ uses more RAM than the two generations older iPhone 5, and yet it has the same amount of RAM fitted. People can moan for 3GB and 4GB but so long as the phone works properly I'm not bothered. It does not work properly with 1GB of RAM.

Why does the 6+ use more RAM than an iPhone 5 using the same software? Assets for the phone are almost similar sizes. The 6 and 6+ have almost identical specs. The performance issue with the 6+ isn't to do with RAM, it's to do with graphics. Similar graphics performance + odd scaling is where the performance issues come. It's the same issue we saw back with the iPad 3, but then again, I seem to recall RAM was blamed for that too.

Your post is what I was referring to when I was saying that RAM isn't a miracle cure for everything.

Next time I get a cold I'll take some RAM. It'll get me fixed right up.

If you want more RAM, go buy a Samsung device with 4GB. I'm sure you'll love the performance .

 

[Girder_Shade]

To me I haven't ran into too many instances of lacking ram. I've had some Safari tab reloads but never any re-springs or anything.

For me 2gb is needed so that Apple can push iOS forward with more features and more advanced features. (If all your devices offered only have 1gb, it limits you to what you can develope for the OS.) As of right now, they've pretty much hit the top of what 1gb can do.

I'm sure needing to run the Apple Watch application in the background doesn't help either for those that do it.

2GB RAM is going to be leaps and bounds better, especially when Apple decide to add in true multi-tasking features like what we're seeing on the new iPad and for the longest time, Android.

 

[lagwagon]

I'm sure needing to run the Apple Watch application in the background doesn't help either for those that do it.

2GB RAM is going to be leaps and bounds better, especially when Apple decide to add in true multi-tasking features like what we're seeing on the new iPad and for the longest time, Android.

watchOS 2 and native 3rd party apps will help in relieving the phone of some tasks. So at least there's that.

I agree 2gb will be a significant upgrade. Maybe not right away, but over time, yes. We've all seen what Apple has been able to accomplish with 1gb. The cycle begins again for Apple to push the boundaries of 2gb until we get to this same state again and require 3gb.

 

[Camoxide]

iPhones don't need 2GB of RAM

256MB is plenty

-MacRumors logic.

 

[sunking101]

Why does the 6+ use more RAM than an iPhone 5 using the same software? Assets for the phone are almost similar sizes. The 6 and 6+ have almost identical specs. The performance issue with the 6+ isn't to do with RAM, it's to do with graphics. Similar graphics performance + odd scaling is where the performance issues come. It's the same issue we saw back with the iPad 3, but then again, I seem to recall RAM was blamed for that too.

Your post is what I was referring to when I was saying that RAM isn't a miracle cure for everything.

Next time I get a cold I'll take some RAM. It'll get me fixed right up.

If you want more RAM, go buy a Samsung device with 4GB. I'm sure you'll love the performance .

For starters the iPhone 5 is a 32Bit device which subsequently uses less RAM than the 64Bit iPhone 6+. Therefore the 1GB i5 has more available RAM than the 1GB 6+.

Secondly, the i5 came with iOS6 and the 6+ came with iOS8. Similar software yes, but different.

Thirdly, the i5 has a much smaller and much lower resolution display. As iPhones don't have dedicated GPU RAM, the system has much fewer pixels to push and little RAM will be stolen. The 6+ has a much larger and non-native super-high resolution screen which requires a lot of GPU activity, pushing more pixels and robbing more RAM.

The downscaling uses CPU power and not necessarily much RAM, although I'm sure it leeches some.

So there you have it, several reasons why despite the sugar coating of the larger HD display and 'Apple Pay', the 6+ is a performance downgrade from the iPhone 5.

 

[C DM]

so...like I said earlier, you have options, SWITCH! Quit complaining about a device not having the best specs in the world. Apple has been very blatant in not advertising processor speed, RAM, etc. because they have no intention of competing in a numbers game. If you don't like the device, there are plenty of other options for you guys out there.

FWIW, I use my device VERY heavily on a daily basis, switching back and forth between multiple documents, spreadsheets, mail, etc., and never a single issue. You are the 1% that are expecting Apple to change and do something they have no intention of doing. Switch to a phone that has every interest in the whole "my peepee is bigger than your peepee" mentality, and you will be much happier. But it's awful funny how much better performing my 6 is with 1GB of ram than most phones with 2, 3, and 4GB.

One of the options is to discuss it in places that are made for these types of discussions (i.e. here).

 

[hovscorpion12]

What's the difference between split view and split screen multitasking?

Spit view allows the user to slide right landscape accessing one app that can be used. (If on safari and you want to take a note, notes will be active, Safari will be greyed out) Sliding up gives you access to other apps however the app to the right will be greyed out and can't be accessed on iPad 2, 3,4 Air, Mini, 2 & 3. Split screen multitasking gives access to two apps at the same time. Surfing safari and watching Netflix at the same time. The iPad Air 2 has both features. For the iPad Air split view can be turned into split screen.

 

[C DM]

Why does the 6+ use more RAM than an iPhone 5 using the same software? Assets for the phone are almost similar sizes. The 6 and 6+ have almost identical specs. The performance issue with the 6+ isn't to do with RAM, it's to do with graphics. Similar graphics performance + odd scaling is where the performance issues come. It's the same issue we saw back with the iPad 3, but then again, I seem to recall RAM was blamed for that too.

Your post is what I was referring to when I was saying that RAM isn't a miracle cure for everything.

Next time I get a cold I'll take some RAM. It'll get me fixed right up.

If you want more RAM, go buy a Samsung device with 4GB. I'm sure you'll love the performance .

Why did Apple increase RAM going from 4S to 5 if the same kinds of things apply?

 

[businezguy]

It has been a while, I was wondering when this would be mentioned again. The standard MacRumors argument.

Will doubling the RAM in your computer automatically solve any freezing you have? Put an iPhone 4S and an iPhone 6 next to each other and see how many apps you can switch between before they reload. See how many tabs you can open before they reload.

There's this weird theory here that doubling the RAM will magically solve all problems - we've had the same debate for years. If you have an extra GB of RAM, that doesn't immediately mean that an extra GB will be available for apps (or god forbid, Safari tabs). There will be larger in-memory caches. The system will move more stuff to memory. Then there's the way apps/the OS is coded. Finally, Apps will get more bloated if devs have more RAM to play with. There's far more to consider than just RAM, as we can see by android devices with 3GB/4GB of RAM that perform worse than the iPhone 6.

The iPad air 2 may have benefited from it, because the iPad has larger assets and whatnot that apps need to keep in memory. iPad apps are generally bigger than their iPhone counterparts.

We have the same argument from pretty much the same members around every iPhone launch. I do hope that Apple up the RAM to 2GB though, simply so the whining will stop.

Who mentioned "freezing"? We just don't want browser tabs to reload when we open iBooks to read a book, etc. I understand your concern that adding more ram will encourage less efficient programming for apps. Over the long term, that will likely happen. Yet right now, with 1 gig of RAM, we already have a problem with RAM. Keep in mind the iPhone 6+ in particular has a very high resolution screen. Keep in mind as well that moving to 64 bits with the 5S also used RAM.

These resources were used regardless of programming efficiencies and now more RAM is needed. Let's not do Apple any favors and deny the problem away.

 

[timeconsumer]

Whatever man. My 6+ has been an underspecced POS since day one and whether you think so or not, it needs more RAM. Even for basic use, let alone 'power users'.
Lollipop doesn't really use much more RAM than KitKat and yet the Note 5 has 4GB of RAM compared to the Note 4 with 3GB. Samsung have upped the spec 12 months later as they should. Apple take note.

I'm confused, do you consider yourself a basic user or a power user? If so could you please define what your definition of a power user is?

Also keep in mind android phones typically have higher specs because not only are they running Android but the UI of the manufacturer. Stock android itself probably doesn't need 4GB of ram.

 

[AbSoluTc]

I'll take all the rams please!

I honestly don't care what the specs are as long as the experience is smooth and seamless. I have not had a problem yet - from 3G to my 6 and every phone in between. Next phone is the 6S Plus.

 

[Merkie]

For starters the iPhone 5 is a 32Bit device which subsequently uses less RAM than the 64Bit iPhone 6+. Therefore the 1GB i5 has more available RAM than the 1GB 6+.

Secondly, the i5 came with iOS6 and the 6+ came with iOS8. Similar software yes, but different.

Thirdly, the i5 has a much smaller and much lower resolution display. As iPhones don't have dedicated GPU RAM, the system has much fewer pixels to push and little RAM will be stolen. The 6+ has a much larger and non-native super-high resolution screen which requires a lot of GPU activity, pushing more pixels and robbing more RAM.

The downscaling uses CPU power and not necessarily much RAM, although I'm sure it leeches some.

So there you have it, several reasons why despite the sugar coating of the larger HD display and 'Apple Pay', the 6+ is a performance downgrade from the iPhone 5.

Jeez bro, just a few more weeks, I'm sure you can manage.

 

[sunking101]

I'm confused, do you consider yourself a basic user or a power user? If so could you please define what your definition of a power user is?

Also keep in mind android phones typically have higher specs because not only are they running Android but the UI of the manufacturer. Stock android itself probably doesn't need 4GB of ram.

Regardless, top drawer Android smartphones have enough RAM for the job. It wouldn't matter if Android needed 10GB so long as the phones had 12GB. iPhones since the 5S have insufficient RAM considering their price and alleged superiority. A low-end Android smartphone can keep more browser tabs and apps in memory than Apple's current flagship.

 

[sunking101]

I don't think it matters if there is 1 or 2GB of RAM, I have the 6 Plus and it works great.

For calls and stuff yeah. For multitasking on even a basic, essential level it scores nil points.

 

[Abazigal]

Is there any way in iOS to see how much RAM is being used at any time like on Android?
I'm guessing not but would be a good indicator how much is being used by the system and apps.

Keep in mind I'm a current Android user making the switch to the 6s next month.

There are apps like widget (an app which adds tons of widget options) that let you install a widget in your notification bar that shows you how much ram is being used. Tried it for a round, but couldn't really make any sense of the constantly fluctuating numbers. With iOS, my advice is to simply "trust" the system.

 

[solodogg]

One of the options is to discuss it in places that are made for these types of discussions (i.e. here).

I think constantly complaining about how much better the competition is and how you won't buy another until they do what you want them to do is well beyond a discussion. Inquiring as to why, and maybe stating the benefits would be a discussion, but the comments I quoted were simple temper tantrums.

Now, i'm taking my ball and going home.

 

[C DM]

I think constantly complaining about how much better the competition is and how you won't buy another until they do what you want them to do is well beyond a discussion. Inquiring as to why, and maybe stating the benefits would be a discussion, but the comments I quoted were simple temper tantrums.

Now, i'm taking my ball and going home.

As opposed to having tantrums about other people's supposed tantrums?

 

[saintforlife]

It has been a while, I was wondering when this would be mentioned again. The standard MacRumors argument.

Will doubling the RAM in your computer automatically solve any freezing you have? Put an iPhone 4S and an iPhone 6 next to each other and see how many apps you can switch between before they reload. See how many tabs you can open before they reload.

There's this weird theory here that doubling the RAM will magically solve all problems - we've had the same debate for years. If you have an extra GB of RAM, that doesn't immediately mean that an extra GB will be available for apps (or god forbid, Safari tabs). There will be larger in-memory caches. The system will move more stuff to memory. Then there's the way apps/the OS is coded. Finally, Apps will get more bloated if devs have more RAM to play with. There's far more to consider than just RAM, as we can see by android devices with 3GB/4GB of RAM that perform worse than the iPhone 6.

The iPad air 2 may have benefited from it, because the iPad has larger assets and whatnot that apps need to keep in memory. iPad apps are generally bigger than their iPhone counterparts.

We have the same argument from pretty much the same members around every iPhone launch. I do hope that Apple up the RAM to 2GB though, simply so the whining will stop.

I hope Apple takes your advice and goes back to 512MB RAM for the 6s to force developers to make their apps more lean and efficient. That will show them...

 

[timeconsumer]

Regardless, top drawer Android smartphones have enough RAM for the job. It wouldn't matter if Android needed 10GB so long as the phones had 12GB. iPhones since the 5S have insufficient RAM considering their price and alleged superiority. A low-end Android smartphone can keep more browser tabs and apps in memory than Apple's current flagship.

Ok now I see your point. Your point isn't necessarily to boast the specs just that they have enough specs for better multitasking which relates to a better end user experience. I've been traveling this month and the safari tabs constantly reloading has been annoying to my data plan. Normally this wouldn't be a concern as I would be on wifi. I'm curious if 2GB will be enough assuming the 6S has 2GB.

 

[oldmacs]

4 inch 6S ?