Apple plans to standardize RAM capacities with the iPhone 18 series. The 12GB RAM featured in the iPhone 17 series could become the standard for the iPhone 18.
New reports suggest that Apple will significantly increase the memory (RAM) capacity in the upcoming iPhone 18. According to a South Korea-based media outlet, the new model could feature up to 50% more RAM compared to its predecessor. This potential increase highlights Apple’s growing emphasis on AI processing capabilities in its devices.
Apple Increases RAM in the iPhone 18: 50% Upgrade
In Apple’s current flagship, the iPhone 17 series, RAM capacities vary across models. The iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max come equipped with 12GB of RAM, marking a notable 4GB increase over their predecessors. This upgrade was primarily driven by the higher memory demands of AI features running on these devices. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 model continues to use 8GB of RAM.
According to the latest information, this situation is set to change with the iPhone 18 series. Apple reportedly aims to achieve “memory parity” across all models in the series, meaning the standard iPhone 18 is unlikely to come with just 8GB of RAM. The report also states that Apple has contacted Samsung, a key RAM supplier for iPhones, requesting an increase in LPDDR5X chip supply for the new series.
There’s also a technical reason why the standard model is unlikely to use 8GB of RAM. Samsung’s high-performance LPDDR5X chips released in 2024 are produced only in 12GB and 16GB configurations. This indicates that the standard iPhone 18 will have at least 12GB of memory. If the standard model is upgraded from 8GB to 12GB, it would represent a full 50% increase, confirming the report’s claim. Apple is also reportedly in talks with SK Hynix and Micron for additional mobile DRAM supply.
The report also includes interesting details about Apple’s upcoming launch schedule. The iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone models are expected to be released in the fall of 2026. The standard models in the series are reportedly slated for introduction in the first half of 2027. This suggests that Apple may separate its launch strategy for Pro and standard models.
In this context, Apple’s decision to standardize RAM across all iPhone 18 models could provide a significant performance boost, especially for users considering the standard model. Is 8GB of RAM still enough, or should 12GB become the standard? Share your thoughts with us.
