Apple plans to give the base iPhone 18 a major memory upgrade. According to The Bell, the 2026 iPhone will launch with 12GB of RAM — up from 8GB on the iPhone 17. This change brings the standard model in line with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.
The upgrade aims to improve multitasking, AI features, and gaming. It also reflects Apple’s growing focus on performance parity between its base and premium models.
Samsung to Supply Faster Memory
Apple reportedly turned to Samsung to produce its next batch of LPDDR5X memory chips. These chips come in 12GB and 16GB configurations, forcing Apple to standardize higher memory for the iPhone 18 series. The chips deliver faster speeds and greater power efficiency.
However, Apple might still buy smaller modules from SK Hynix or Micron for other devices. This flexibility could help balance cost and supply chain risks while maintaining performance goals.
A Faster, More Efficient iPhone
The iPhone 18 will also feature a six-channel LPDDR5X system, improving data bandwidth and responsiveness. Apps will open faster, background tasks will run smoother, and users can expect better battery efficiency.
If Apple follows through, this will mark the first time the base iPhone matches the Pro models in memory capacity. Analysts believe this move could make the iPhone 18 more competitive in a market where Android flagships already ship with 12GB or more.
With the iPhone 18 expected to launch in 2026, Apple appears ready to deliver a stronger performance boost — ensuring even the standard model feels fast, efficient, and future-ready.
