With the recent launch of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro lineup, Apple has introduced a significant upgrade featuring the A19 Pro chip along with an impressive 12GB of unified memory. This increase represents a remarkable 50% enhancement compared to its predecessors and doubles the memory offered in older models from just a couple of years ago. However, there’s a catch: the base model iPhone 17, equipped with the A19 chip, continues to utilize 8GB of memory.
According to a report from The Bell, shared by MacRumors, there is potential for this to change with the upcoming iPhone 18. It is important to note that the base model of the iPhone 18 is unlikely to be released in September 2026. Instead, Apple is rumored to be shifting to a staggered release schedule, which will feature the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, and iPhone Fold in the fall of 2026. Subsequently, the base model iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to launch in the following spring.
As part of the preparations for the iPhone 18, Apple is reportedly coordinating with its memory suppliers to produce additional LPDDR5X DRAM chips specifically for this lineup. Notably, Apple is seeking these chips from Samsung, while also engaging in discussions with Micron and SK Hynix to secure more supply of LPDDR5X memory. This is particularly significant as the LPDDR5X chips are only available in 12GB and 16GB variants, suggesting that the base iPhone 18 may see a memory upgrade to 12GB.
It makes sense for the base iPhone 18 to adopt 12GB of memory, as Apple typically introduces enhancements in its higher-end models before rolling them out to the more affordable options one or two years later. While there may not be immediate benefits to having 12GB of RAM, Apple's increasing focus on local AI models indicates that we might witness exclusive Apple Intelligence features in future iPhones equipped with 12GB of RAM. These devices will be better equipped to manage and run larger AI models, paving the way for enhanced functionality.
In summary, the upcoming iPhone 18 series is poised to deliver substantial memory enhancements and possibly new features that leverage its advanced hardware capabilities. With the industry shifting towards AI integration, having 12GB of unified memory could position Apple's flagship smartphones favorably in the competitive landscape. As we await further developments, it is clear that all flagship iPhones are expected to offer at least 12GB of memory, marking a new standard in smartphone performance.
While waiting for the iPhone 18, consider enhancing your Apple experience with some top accessories:
Anker MagSafe/Qi2 Ultra-Slim Battery Pack Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max MOFT MagSafe Wallet Stand – fits up to 3 cards Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse for Mac ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 25W MagSafe Charging Stand AirPods Pro 3 – featuring 2x Active Noise Cancellation compared to AirPods Pro 2