Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 18 is set to feature a significant upgrade in memory, boasting a 50% increase compared to its predecessor. According to a report from Korea’s The Bell, the iPhone 18 may provide 12GB of RAM, which would align it with the latest models in Apple’s lineup including the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro series. This advancement is primarily driven by the growing demands of on-device artificial intelligence processing.
Memory Specifications for iPhone 18
The current iPhone 17 lineup includes the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, each equipped with 12GB of memory. The iPhone 17 is the only variant that retains an older configuration of 8GB. However, with the iPhone 18, Apple is reportedly working towards standardizing the RAM across all models, ensuring that even the base version is sufficiently equipped.
Apple’s Collaboration with RAM Suppliers
To meet the increased memory demands, Apple is in talks with key suppliers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron for additional mobile DRAM. Samsung’s LPDDR5X memory, which was launched in 2024, is predominantly available in 12GB and 16GB configurations. This makes it improbable for another standard iPhone to feature 8GB of RAM.
Expected Release Timeline
The iPhone 18 series, which includes the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max, is slated for release in the fall of 2026. Following this, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are anticipated to launch in the first half of 2027.
- iPhone Air 2: Expected Fall 2026
- iPhone 18 Pro: Expected Fall 2026
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: Expected Fall 2026
- iPhone 18: First Half of 2027
- iPhone 18e: First Half of 2027
With these upgrades in RAM and overall performance, the iPhone 18 is positioned to enhance user experience, particularly for those leveraging artificial intelligence applications on their devices. Apple continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology, and the iPhone 18 is expected to showcase these advancements effectively.
