June 30, 2026, 3:48 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple might take an unusual step with its more affordable iPhone models. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to come with 9 gigabytes of RAM. What’s the deal with the odd number?
More RAM for More AI
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to use the A20 chip in the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. The RAM will consist of six memory modules, each with 1.5 gigabytes, totaling 9 gigabytes of RAM.
For the current models, iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e, the setup is different, according to Kuo. They use four memory modules, each with 2 gigabytes, providing a total of 8 gigabytes of RAM.
The planned configuration would thus upgrade the more affordable models by one gigabyte. At the same time, Apple would maintain a clear distinction within the model lineup.
More RAM Could Be Important for iOS 27
The additional RAM could play a significant role, especially in connection with iOS 27. This version is expected to integrate Apple Intelligence more deeply into the operating system, with expanded use in Safari and Photos, among other areas.
This could allow the iPhone to prepare, execute, or keep more AI tasks ready in the background directly on the device. In addition to a powerful chip, sufficient RAM would be necessary to ensure other processes are not slowed down. The planned 9 gigabytes could therefore be intended primarily for the next expansion stage of AI functions.
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Pro Models to Receive Significantly More RAM
For the more powerful devices, Kuo expects a higher memory configuration. Both Pro versions of the iPhone 18 series and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the so-called iPhone Fold, are expected to be equipped with the A20 Pro chip and 12 gigabytes of RAM.
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According to Kuo, Apple plans to use eight memory modules, each with 1.5 gigabytes. This would keep the Pro models and the foldable device clearly positioned above the more affordable variants.
Apple Hasn’t Confirmed Anything Yet
Apple has not yet officially unveiled the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. Therefore, there are currently no confirmed details about the RAM configuration. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the two models are expected to be released in the first half of 2027.
Until then, it remains uncertain whether Apple will actually structure the lineup in this way. If the forecast proves true, RAM would play an even greater role in distinguishing between the different iPhone models in the future.