iPhone 18: Apple plans to standardize on 12 GB of RAM by 2026

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The iPhone 18 could be significantly more powerful than its predecessors. According to a report in the Korean newspaper The Bell, Apple plans to give its upcoming smartphones up to 50 percent more RAM. This move is intended to prepare the devices for future AI features and ensure consistent performance across all models.

Apple raises the technical bar with each iPhone generation. The current series, including the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, has 12 GB of RAM. That's already 4 GB more than its predecessors. This is due to the increased demands of artificial intelligence, which is increasingly processed directly on the device. Only the standard iPhone 17 model continues to use 8 GB of RAM. This is likely to change with the next generation, the iPhone 18.

More memory for all models

According to The Bell's report , Apple is expected to standardize the RAM in the iPhone 18 series, increasing it to at least 12 GB. This would mean memory parity between all four models—i.e., the iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, the iPhone 18 Pro, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The new iPhone Air 2 and the planned foldable iPhone are also expected to benefit from this.

Apple has reportedly asked Samsung to increase its supply of LPDDR5X RAM chips. These chips were launched in 2024 and are used in high-performance smartphones. They are available exclusively in 12 GB and 16 GB configurations. This makes a new standard model with only 8 GB of RAM very unlikely.

Collaboration with multiple suppliers

In addition to Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron are also said to be in talks as suppliers. According to the report, Apple is negotiating with both companies for additional supply volumes of mobile DRAM. The company apparently wants to ensure that production of the next iPhone generation runs smoothly and avoids bottlenecks.

Collaboration with multiple manufacturers is nothing new, but it demonstrates how important larger RAM has become for Apple. It forms the foundation for the performance of the next generation of devices, especially for applications that run machine learning and AI processes directly on the device.

Performance increase through LPDDR5X

The switch to LPDDR5X RAM brings more than just increased capacity. This memory technology offers higher data rates, faster access, and lower power consumption. This makes it ideal for devices that need to process many tasks simultaneously.

Especially in conjunction with on-device AI functions—such as photo editing, speech recognition, or user data analysis—additional RAM is crucial. By switching to LPDDR5X, Apple is laying the foundation for more powerful, but also more efficient, devices.

Planned market launch in two phases

The iPhone 18 is scheduled to be released in two phases. Apple currently plans to unveil the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone in fall 2026. The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to follow in the first half of 2027.

This staggered rollout should help Apple better manage production capacity and test technical innovations first in the higher-priced models. Only then will the new standards be adopted in the lower-priced models.

More RAM, more power: Apple focuses on future viability

The iPhone 18 clearly marks a significant leap in performance for Apple. With up to 50 percent more RAM and the use of LPDDR5X chips, the company is equipping its devices for the future. The focus is on consistent performance, improved energy efficiency, and support for modern AI features directly on the device.

If the reports prove true, the iPhone 18 will not only run faster but also be able to respond significantly better to the increasing demands of the software. The larger RAM is likely to become a key factor in the new generation – and make the iPhone 18 one of the most powerful smartphones of its time. (Image: Shutterstock / Ringo Chiu)