The iPhone 18 might receive the RAM upgrade it urgently requires.
Apple might provide the standard iPhone 18 with a larger RAM upgrade than previously anticipated, which could address a major limitation that was expected for the device.
Analyst Jeff Pu, in a research note shared with 9to5Mac, suggests that Apple plans to equip the iPhone 18 with 12GB of RAM, an increase from the 8GB found in the iPhone 17. This is also significantly higher than the 9GB prediction made by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The additional 3GB of RAM could significantly enhance Apple's AI capabilities.
This extra memory is crucial for iOS 27, as Apple's AFM Core Advanced model, which supports Advanced Dictation Preview and the new expressive Siri voices, requires a minimum of 12GB of RAM for local operation.
Previously, it was noted that the anticipated 9GB configuration might leave the standard iPhone 18 incapable of utilizing these features, even with the transition to Apple's new A20 chip. Pu's assertion could eliminate this hardware restriction.
There is some variation in expectations for the more affordable iPhone 18e. Pu believes this model will have 9GB of RAM, which could result in a lack of similar AI functionalities despite also being powered by the A20.
Apple has a substantial need for memory.
Equipping the standard iPhone 18 with 12GB would be especially significant given Apple's current memory challenges. Reports indicate that DRAM shortages are already delaying the packaging of A20 Pro chips intended for this fall's iPhone 18 Pro models.
Apple is also exploring DRAM options from the Chinese manufacturer CXMT as it seeks additional supply. Rising memory prices have already prompted Apple to increase the prices of several Macs and iPads.
The standard iPhone 18 is not expected to launch until spring 2027, providing Apple more time to secure sufficient memory. However, Pu's prediction of 12GB remains unverified, particularly as it contradicts Kuo's earlier estimate of 9GB.
A bigger concern is how the additional RAM might affect pricing. The anticipated 12GB + 1TB iPhone 18 Pro Max is already projected to be nearly $300 more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and enhancing the base iPhone 18 model's memory could similarly impact its starting price. Apple will need to decide how much of the added component cost it is prepared to absorb.
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The iPhone 18 might receive the RAM upgrade it urgently requires.
The regular iPhone 18 may be equipped with 12GB of RAM, surpassing the earlier speculation of 9GB. This upgrade could provide sufficient memory to support a greater number of Apple’s on-device AI functionalities.
