Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 18 models are expected to feature a substantial increase in RAM, a critical hardware upgrade designed to support the company’s ambitious push into on-device artificial intelligence capabilities.
The base iPhone 18 is projected to receive a 50% boost in RAM, moving from 8 GB in the current iPhone 17 to 12 GB. The iPhone 18 Pro is also slated for a RAM upgrade from its current 12 GB capacity.
This significant hardware enhancement is seen as a direct consequence of Apple’s strategy to fully integrate its Apple Intelligence (AI) models. On-device processing is crucial for maintaining user data security and delivering rapid, fluid AI performance across multiple tasks.
South Korean media outlet The Bell reported these details, highlighting the anticipated role of Apple Intelligence, which is expected to reach its full potential with the iPhone 18 Series.
Samsung, another major South Korean technology firm, is reportedly poised to be the primary supplier for these advanced LPDDR5X RAM modules. SK Hynix, also from South Korea, and U.S.-based Micron are expected to contribute to meeting Apple’s extensive RAM requirements.
The new LPDDR5X RAM offers improved speed and energy efficiency compared to the LPDDR5 modules currently found in the standard iPhone 17.
Previous reports have outlined a two-phase rollout for the iPhone 18 Series. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Air 2, and Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone are anticipated to launch in September 2026, powered by the new Apple A20 chipset.
The base iPhone 18 and an “iPhone 18e” model are then expected to follow in early 2027.
The Apple A20 chipset will reportedly utilize TSMC’s advanced 2-nanometer manufacturing technology. This cutting-edge production process is predicted to drive up manufacturing costs for the new devices.
Analysts have forecast that the iPhone 18 could see a price increase of approximately $50 to $100 over the current iPhone 17 models.
Many Apple enthusiasts on social media platforms like X have expressed that Apple should have adopted LPDDR5X RAM earlier. They argue that such an upgrade is essential for the iPhone to remain competitive with high-end Android smartphones, citing devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 and vivo X300.