Apple could give its next-generation budget iPhones a memory upgrade to support more advanced artificial intelligence features. According to a new report from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may launch with 9GB of RAM instead of the 8GB found in current entry-level models.
The report says Apple plans to introduce these devices in spring 2027. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to keep their 12GB RAM configuration.
Why More Memory Matters
RAM plays an important role in running AI tools smoothly. As smartphones gain more on-device intelligence features, they need extra memory to process tasks quickly and efficiently.
Kuo believes Apple wants to improve the performance of Apple Intelligence by adding more RAM to its lower-end devices. The extra memory could help the system handle demanding AI workloads without slowing down.
The report also suggests that Apple’s future A20 chip may use a new memory arrangement. The standard A20 chip could feature six 1.5GB memory dies, while the A20 Pro version may use eight of them, resulting in a total of 12GB of RAM.
AI Features Drive Hardware Changes
Apple introduced iOS 27 at WWDC 2026 and confirmed that new AI features, including Siri AI enhancements, will arrive later this year. However, some advanced on-device AI models currently require 12GB of RAM and are limited to higher-end devices.
That limitation raises an interesting question. Will 9GB of RAM allow the standard iPhone 18 to access more AI tools? At this stage, analysts do not know the answer.
Still, the rumored upgrade signals Apple’s growing focus on artificial intelligence. Even a modest increase in memory could help future iPhones deliver smoother performance and support more advanced features over time.
Looking Ahead
Apple has not confirmed any specifications for the iPhone 18 lineup. Therefore, these details remain part of an early industry report. Nevertheless, if the rumors prove accurate, the iPhone 18 could become Apple’s first mainstream device designed with expanded AI demands in mind.
