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iPhone 18 Base Model May Finally Get 12GB RAM for On-Device AI
Get the inside scoop on Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 models, increasedmemory, and how they’re gearing up for smarter, more capable devices.
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Key Takeaways:
- Apple to Increase Base Model RAM to 12GB: According to reports from The Bell, Apple might equip the iPhone 18’s base model with 12GB of RAM, marking a significant upgrade aimed at supporting on-device AI processing.
- Memory Parity Across iPhone Lineup: Following the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, which feature 12GB of RAM, Apple is likely standardizing this high memory capacity across its next-generation models, including the upcoming iPhone 18.
- Suppliers Prepare for Larger RAM Chips: Apple has asked suppliers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron to ramp up production of 12GB LPDDR5X DRAM chips, indicating that the new iPhone models will adopt this higher memory configuration for improved performance.
- Focus on On-Device AI Capabilities: The move to 12GB RAM is part of Apple’s strategy to enhance on-device AI processing, enabling future iPhones to handle larger AI models locally as Apple Intelligence expands in upcoming years.
- Staggered Release Schedule for iPhone 18 Series: Sources suggest that Apple will likely launch the iPhone 18 lineup in phases, with flagship models arriving in Fall 2026 and the base models launching in Spring 2027, allowing for better production and marketing management.
Apple might finally bring 12GB of RAM to its base model iPhone 18, according to a new report from The Bell. This move could mark a major step in Apple’s efforts to make its entire iPhone lineup ready for on-device AI processing.
Apple Preparing for Memory Parity Across the Lineup
With the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro lineup, Apple introduced a big jump in memory, 12GB of unified RAM, up from the 8GB used in earlier models. The only exception was the base iPhone 17, which continued with 8GB of memory.
As per The Bell, Apple has asked its memory suppliers, including Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, to increase production of LPDDR5X DRAM chips for the next generation. These high-performance chips, first introduced in 2024, only come in 12GB and 16GB configurations, suggesting that the upcoming iPhone 18 models will likely standardize at 12GB of memory.
Apple’s Push Toward On-Device AI
The switch to 12GB RAM isn’t just about performance. Apple is reportedly preparing for a future where more AI tasks are processed directly on the device. With Apple Intelligence set to expand in 2026 and beyond, having more memory will help future iPhones handle larger AI models locally, similar to how the iPhone 17 Pro’s extra memory already boosts some Apple Intelligence features.
Staggered Release for iPhone 18 Series
Multiple reports also suggest Apple will introduce a staggered release schedule starting with the iPhone 18 lineup. The iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone are expected to launch in Fall 2026, while the base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could arrive in Spring 2027.
This new approach would give Apple more flexibility in managing production and marketing cycles while maintaining consistent innovation across models.
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Ravi Teja KNTS
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