iPhone 18: Apple is probably planning an unusual memory upgrade
Apple apparently has a special kind of hardware upgrade in mind for the iPhone 18. To support new AI functions while saving costs, the RAM could be given an unconventional size.
Unusual upgrade for iPhone 18
Apple is apparently planning an unconventional adjustment to the hardware for the basic models iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, which are expected in spring 2027. In order to cope with the increasing demands of Apple Intelligence under iOS 27, the devices should be equipped with exactly nine gigabytes of RAM. This crooked number probably represents a strategic compromise to create the minimum requirements for at least some of the new AI functions while saving production costs. Until now, industry observers assumed that Apple would increase the RAM of the upcoming basic smartphones to twelve gigabytes. The step to nine gigabytes is very unusual in the technology world, as memory sizes are traditionally doubled or at least installed in even numbers.
Cost pressure affects hardware
Like the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on X reports, the current prices on the global storage market in Cupertino are forcing a rethink. The upcoming A20 processor should use an adapted architecture to realize the odd memory volume. The nine gigabytes of RAM should consist of six modules with 1.5 gigabytes each. For comparison: The current iPhone 17 with the A19 has eight gigabytes, which are divided into four memory modules with two gigabytes each. According to the forecasts, nothing will change for the more expensive Pro models. You keep your twelve gigabytes of RAM. This is currently a prerequisite for carrying out more complex AI calculations directly on the device. An on-premises approach with more storage offers significant data protection benefits by eliminating the need to offload tasks to the cloud.
Doubts about the benefit
The now planned memory upgrade for the iPhone 18 to nine gigabytes of RAM has both advantages and disadvantages. Buyers of the cheaper basic models can expect smoother use of the AI functions deeply integrated into iOS 27. At the same time, it remains doubtful that nine gigabytes are actually enough to process all local Apple Intelligence processes. There will probably still be restrictions compared to the more expensive Pro models.
