Apple’s regular iPhone 18 could get 12GB of RAM next year, giving the base model enough memory to run Apple’s most powerful on-device AI model and new Siri features.
South Korea’s KB Securities, via DigiTimes, reports that Apple plans to raise memory on the standard iPhone 18 from 8GB to 12GB while keeping the starting price unchanged.
Apple said during WWDC 2026 that its strongest on-device model supports more expressive Siri voices and major improvements for systemwide dictation. These features need 12GB of unified memory, which means the current iPhone 17 misses out because it only has 8GB RAM.
At the moment, only the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max can support that higher AI model. The iPhone 18 upgrade would bring the regular model closer to Apple’s premium iPhones in AI performance.
The report also says Apple has asked suppliers to increase LPDDR5X RAM supply for the next iPhone lineup. Apple will reportedly keep buying memory from Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron at above-market prices.
If Apple absorbs the extra cost, the iPhone 18 could still start at $799. The iPhone 18 Pro models and foldable iPhone are expected in fall 2026, while the regular iPhone 18 may arrive in early 2027.
