Highlights
- The base iPhone 18 may get 12GB of unified memory, a 50% boost over its predecessor.
- Apple is reportedly sourcing LPDDR5X RAM from suppliers like Samsung and Micron to meet the memory needs of on-device AI and machine learning workloads.
- Apple may unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, Air 2, and Fold in fall 2026, while the base iPhone 18 and 18e could launch in spring 2027.
Caption – iPhone 17 in the picture for reference. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 could receive a major boost in memory, aligning it more closely with the company’s higher-end models. According to a new report from The Bell (via MacRumors), the base iPhone 18 is expected to get a 50% increase in RAM from its predecessor. Here’s what we know so far.
iPhone 18 RAM Could Finally Catch Up to the Pro Models
With the launch of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro lineup, Apple introduced 12GB of unified memory alongside the A19 Pro chip. This is a 50% increase compared to the previous generation and double the amount seen in iPhones just a few years ago. However, the standard iPhone 17 was powered by the A19 chip but continued to ship with 8GB of RAM.
If the new report proves accurate, Apple is preparing to bump the base iPhone 18 up to 12GB of unified memory, bringing it on par with the Pro and possibly even the rumoured iPhone Air 2.
According to The Bell, Apple has reached out to suppliers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron to secure larger quantities of LPDDR5X RAM for its next-generation iPhones. Samsung currently produces LPDDR5X RAM only in 12GB and 16GB configurations, which further suggests that the upcoming base iPhone model could adopt the 12GB option.
While this remains speculative, the move would make sense given Apple’s growing focus on Apple Intelligence, its suite of AI-powered features.
Apple’s push toward on-device AI is expected to demand more memory, as AI models are resource-heavy and rely on additional RAM for smooth operation. Although 8GB of RAM is generally sufficient for most users, running Apple Intelligence and other advanced machine learning processes locally could require the expanded 12GB configuration.
iPhone 18 Launch Timeline
It’s also worth noting that Apple may not release the base iPhone 18 alongside the rest of the lineup. Multiple reports indicate that the company is shifting to a staggered release schedule beginning with the iPhone 18 series.
Under this new plan, the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, and the long-rumoured iPhone Fold are expected to debut in fall 2026. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models could arrive the following spring.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 lineup officially in the fall of 2026. We will learn more about the base model and the rest of the lineup as the launch nears.
FAQs
Q1. Will the base iPhone 18 get more RAM than its predecessor?
Answer. Yes, according to reports, the base iPhone 18 is expected to feature 12GB of unified memory, a 50% increase over the 8GB found in the iPhone 17.
Q2. Why is Apple increasing the RAM in the iPhone 18?
Answer. The RAM upgrade is likely to support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s on-device AI suite, which requires more memory to run advanced machine learning features smoothly.
Q3. When will the iPhone 18 series launch?
Answer. Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 lineup in fall 2026, but the base iPhone 18 and 18e may launch later in spring 2027 under a new staggered release strategy.