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While recent rumors about the iPhone 18 have primarily focused on downgrades, there's now some positive news: Despite all the cost-cutting measures, the standard model is expected to receive 12 GB of RAM. This brings the RAM configuration of the base iPhone up to the level previously reserved for the Pro models.
In recent weeks, negative reports about the upcoming iPhone 18 have been piling up. The standard version won't be released in September 2026, but rather in early 2027, alongside the iPhone 18e. Additionally, according to leaks, Apple is planning targeted downgrades to the display and chip to cut costs. But now there's finally some good news: one feature of the iPhone 18 will definitely be upgraded.
Analyst Dan Nystedt has confirmed on X that the iPhone 18, powered by the upcoming A20 chip, will feature 12GB of RAM. That's 50 percent more than the current iPhone 17, which has 8GB. Nystedt is considered a reliable source for Apple hardware details and has accurately reported on several new product releases in the past.
RAM parity with the Pro models
The really exciting thing about this news is that Apple is following the same pattern with the iPhone 18 that already worked with the iPhone 17. Back then, Apple switched from 8 GB to 12 GB of RAM – initially only for the Pro models. The standard version remained at 8 GB. With the iPhone 18, the base model is now catching up: 12 GB of RAM across the entire lineup.
This is a clear signal. Since the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple has consistently touted more RAM as a key differentiator for its Pro models. The rationale: Apple Intelligence and other AI features require significantly more RAM than typical smartphone tasks. Now, Apple is extending this feature to its more affordable models – a clear admission that AI features are not intended to remain exclusive to premium buyers.
Why the RAM jump is important
RAM has been an underestimated issue with iPhones for years. Apple has often used less RAM than its Android competitors in the past – and still delivered comparable or better performance. This is due to the tightly integrated hardware-software optimization that Apple has traditionally employed.
With the advent of AI, this calculation changes. Apple Intelligence, the new Gemini-based Siri, and local AI models actually require a lot of RAM—often several gigabytes that must be constantly used in the background. An iPhone with only 8 GB of RAM quickly reaches its limits here, especially when multiple AI features are active simultaneously. The 12 GB in the iPhone 18 provides significantly more headroom.
The good and the bad side of the iPhone 18
The iPhone 18 is thus emerging as a model sending mixed signals. On the one hand, there are the already known cost-cutting measures: a delayed launch, downgrades in display and chip manufacturing, and an overall focus on cost reduction. On the other hand, there's the RAM upgrade, which makes the device significantly more future-proof.
The strategy makes sense when viewed holistically. Apple is cutting costs in areas that are barely noticeable to the average user – manufacturing process details, display intricacies – and investing where it will be crucial in the future: in RAM for AI. This aligns with Apple's broader trend of expanding AI capabilities across all products, not just premium models.
How does that fit into the lineup?
The complete iPhone 18 lineup is now taking shape more clearly:
- iPhone 18 Pro (September 2026): variable aperture, new colors incl. Dark Cherry, new A20 chip, thicker camera unit
- iPhone 18 Pro Max (September 2026): Like Pro, but bigger
- iPhone Ultra (September 2026): Apple's first foldable
- iPhone 18 (Spring 2027): A20 chip, 12 GB RAM, display downgrades
- iPhone 18e (Spring 2027): Affordable base model
The 12 GB of RAM is expected to be included in both the iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e, as both models are rumored to feature the A20 chip. This would mean that even the most affordable iPhone of the new generation would have significantly more RAM than the current iPhone 17.
iPhone 18: What this means for buyers
For those not interested in Pro-exclusive features like variable aperture and telephoto camera, the iPhone 18 offers a significant upgrade in one key aspect. Especially for AI-focused users, the increased RAM is likely more relevant than cosmetic display differences.
Anyone currently owning an iPhone 17 and considering an upgrade now has a compelling reason to wait for the iPhone 18: 50 percent more RAM translates to significantly greater future-proofing – especially as AI features become increasingly important. The catch: The iPhone 18 won't be released until spring 2027, roughly six months later than the iPhone 18 Pro in September.
For a complete overview of all previous iPhone 18 Pro leaks, you can find a continuously updated summary of all rumors here. (Image: Apple)
- Anniversary iPhone 2027: Samsung delivers micro-curved OLED Display
- Apple is working on six completely new product categories
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: Dummy shows thicker camera unit
- iPhone Ultra Dummy: How it compares to the iPad mini and iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 18: Display and chip reportedly receive downgrades according to leak
- iPhone 18 Pro launches Apple's four-stage plan for camera upgrades
- iPhone 18 Pro: Leaker confirms Dark Cherry as a key color
- Siri CEO Rockwell is reportedly considering stepping down
- A 200-megapixel telephoto camera for the iPhone is only realistic from 2028 onwards
- Apple Glasses: Launch planned for late 2026 – pressure from Meta is growing
- iPhone 18: Apple lowers specifications to reduce costs
- iPhone Ultra: Apple relies on Camera Control and does away with SIM card
- iOS 27: Four iPhone models lose update support
- iPhone 18 Pro: New image shows the four expected colors
- iOS 27: Home screen gets undo and redo function
- Siri in iOS 27: Apple has already hidden the new Design in the WWDC invitation
- New Mac Studio may not arrive until October
- MacBook Ultra: Launch slightly delayed due to storage shortage
- iPhone 18 Pro: Four colors leaked – including the new Dark Cherry
- iOS 27: Leak reveals four new features, including a Wallet upgrade
- Apple Stores will soon be able to restore Apple Watch software on-site
- Apple sends Siri engineers to AI coding boot camp
- iPad Air will get an OLED Display in 2027
- iPhone Ultra: Mass production delayed until August
