iPhone 18 and 18e to Feature 9 GB RAM for AI Workloads, Kuo Reports
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 and 18e models will feature 9 GB of RAM to support advanced Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This increase from 8 GB in base iPhone 17 models aims to ensure lower-cost devices can handle heavier AI workloads without losing functionality.
Why is Apple increasing RAM for base models?
Apple is raising the memory floor to prevent base-model iPhones from missing out on high-end AI capabilities. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the base iPhone 17 models—which use 8 GB of RAM—are already limited in their ability to run the most advanced Siri features. By moving to 9 GB for the iPhone 18 and 18e, Apple intends to support the more demanding AI requirements of iOS 27.
This shift follows a pattern seen with the iPhone 15 series, where the base models’ 6 GB of RAM prevented them from supporting Apple Intelligence entirely, a feature reserved for the 8 GB Pro models. Apple is now attempting to close that gap for future entry-level users.
How does the memory architecture change?
The increase in RAM isn’t just a capacity bump; it’s a change in how the hardware is built. Kuo reports that the iPhone 17 base models utilize a configuration of four 2 GB dies to reach 8 GB. In contrast, the A20 chip slated for the iPhone 18 will shift to a configuration of six 1.5 GB dies, totaling 9 GB.
This architectural change allows Apple to scale memory more precisely. While a 1 GB increase seems modest, the shift to a six-die setup provides the overhead necessary for the on-device Large Language Models (LLMs) that power Apple Intelligence.
What about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra?
High-end models will maintain a significant performance lead over the base series. The iPhone 18 Pro and the rumored foldable “iPhone Ultra,” expected in September 2026, will feature 12 GB of RAM. These devices will use a configuration of eight 1.5 GB dies, according to Kuo’s analysis.
This 3 GB gap between the base and Pro models ensures a clear product differentiation. The Pro and Ultra models will likely handle more complex multimodal AI tasks—such as real-time video processing or advanced generative tools—that the 9 GB base models cannot sustain.
| Model | Expected RAM | Die Configuration | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 (Base) | 8 GB | 2 GB x 4 | Initial AI support |
| iPhone 18 / 18e | 9 GB | 1.5 GB x 6 | iOS 27 AI Workloads |
| iPhone 18 Pro / Ultra | 12 GB | 1.5 GB x 8 | Advanced AI / Multitasking |
Will the iPhone 18 cost more?
Better hardware likely comes with a higher price tag. Kuo indicated in an analysis shared via MacRumors that Apple is planning price increases across its ecosystem, including the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
Apple has already implemented price hikes for entry-level iPads and the MacBook Neo. Given the increased cost of the A20 chip’s memory architecture and the general trend of rising component costs for AI-capable hardware, it’s unlikely the iPhone 18 and 18e will maintain current base pricing.
Timeline of Expected Releases
- September 2026: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra (Foldable) launch with 12 GB RAM.
- March–April 2027: iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e launch with 9 GB RAM.