According to industry reports, Apple’s next base iPhone is likely to get a RAM upgrade for the first time when the next generation iPhones are released in the Spring of 2027. This is likely because the iPhone 17 Pro lineup and the iPhone Air models now also have 12GB of unified memory, also leaving the standard iPhone 17 with 8GB of memory which is considerably underpowered.
Speculation about RAM upgrades is based off a report by The Bell which is a news source in South Korea, saying Apple is negotiating with memory providers about acquiring more LPDDR5X DRAM chips for the iPhoone 18 series. Equipped with these chips, it says, Apple will likely provide both 12GB and 16GB memory options paired with adaptive RAM for the flagship models which is a first for Apple.
“Apple has been pushing the envelope with its Pro models, and it looks like they may finally be ready to bring that level of performance to the base model,” stated tech analyst Sarah Chen during a live stream Q&A on Friday. “This could be a game changer for consumers who want high performance without paying a premium.”
The move would be consistent with Apple’s historical pattern of introducing features on higher-end devices before trickling them down to the more affordable models. While the immediate benefits of 12GB of RAM might not be readily apparent for everyday tasks, the increased memory capacity could be crucial for future Apple Intelligence features and the execution of local AI models directly on the device.
“Apple is clearly betting big on AI,” emphasized tech blogger Mark Olsen in a recent post. “Having that extra RAM would allow the iPhone 18 to handle larger and more complex AI models, potentially unlocking exclusive features not available on older devices. It’s all about future-proofing.”
Apple is trying to meet its LPDDR5X DRAM needs through partnerships with multiple suppliers such as Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. The demand increase indicates Apple may be planning a large-scale redistribution of memory on its iPhones which is exemplified by the higher likelihood of the base iPhone 18 getting its RAM significantly increased.
The insider claims, “Apple doesn’t typically ask for specific chip variants unless they have a clear plan for their implementation. The fact that they’re focused on 12GB and 16GB LPDDR5X speaks volumes.”
Apple is believed to be working on a staggered release schedule for the iPhone 18, which is the release of its base model alongside iPhone 18e in spring 2027, which would follow the fall 2026 release of the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, and a rumored iPhone Fold. The release strategy may be in Apple’s favor to better configure the base model for the new memory.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air are equipped with 12GB of RAM and an A19 Pro chip, resulting in a tangible increase in performance compared to previous versions. The increase in RAM availability compared to a few years ago is a testament to the changing philosophy at Apple.
Although the base iPhone 17’s 8GB of RAM is an adequate amount of memory for most people, the official iPhone 18 is expected to come with 12GB of RAM to match the Pro models, and memory RAM would increase potential capabilities.
An increase in smartphone memory to accommodate mobile gaming, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence are working in Apple’s favor. The iPhone 18’s possible upgrades are crucial for Apple to remain viable in the mobile phone market.
Apple hasn’t released official statements about the iPhone 18 specifications as the device continues to be in development. There has been a recent increase in speculation regarding the possibility of an increased RAM. Although we don’t know if iPhone 18 base models will carry more RAM we can certainty say that the current shifts in speculation presents a more amplified strategy.
