iPhone 18: Apple Prepares for a 50% RAM Increase to Better Manage Artificial Intelligence
According to a new report by the South Korean media outlet The Bell, the iPhone 18 will see a 50% increase in RAM, rising from 8GB to 12GB.
This significant upgrade would finally put the base model on par with the Pro and Pro Max variants, which have been equipped with 12GB since the iPhone 17 generation.
iPhone 18: An Evolution Driven by Apple Intelligence
This power boost is not without purpose. Apple is betting on this upgrade to support the deployment of its new local artificial intelligence features, collectively branded as Apple Intelligence. These tools, which rely on direct data processing on the device to ensure privacy, require more memory and bandwidth.
Apple is reportedly working with Samsung to supply LPDDR5X modules, while SK Hynix and Micron are expected to complete production. These chips are faster and more energy-efficient than the LPDDR5 used in the iPhone 17.
They will operate on six channels, increasing memory bandwidth and enhancing multitasking and AI performance.
A Transition to A20 Chips Fabricated at 2 nm
The entire iPhone 18 lineup is expected to feature the new A20 chip, fabricated at 2 nanometers by TSMC. This architecture promises unprecedented energy efficiency and significant power gains while enhancing the security of local AI processing.
A Two-Phase Launch
Apple is likely adopting a novel release schedule:
- Fall 2026: Launch of the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, iPhone Air 2, and the first foldable iPhone.
- Early 2027: Arrival of the standard iPhone 18 and the new iPhone 18e.
Possible Price Increase Ahead
With TSMC expecting an increase in the production cost of its 2 nm chips, analysts predict that the base price of the iPhone 18 could rise by $50 to $100 compared to the iPhone 17.
Despite this, the community appears to be largely optimistic. On social media, many fans believe that this RAM upgrade has been long overdue and will enable Apple to catch up with its Android rivals, particularly the Galaxy S26 and vivo X300.
In short, the iPhone 18 is set to represent a new chapter for Apple: more power, greater efficiency, and a genuine leap into the era of embedded AI.
