Apple has long handled the RAM in its devices with extreme caution, as if giving us just enough to get through daily tasks. But the winds of artificial intelligence (Apple Intelligence) are blowing strongly, forcing it to completely change the rules of the game. According to the latest analysis from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is preparing to upgrade the RAM in base iPhone 18 models to 9GB, aiming to enable deeper and smoother system-level integration with the revolutionary AI features coming in iOS 27.
Upgrade Details: 9GB of memory for the base iPhone 18
Supply chain checks conducted by Kuo indicate that Apple’s budget or base phones planned for release in the first half of 2027 will come with 9GB of RAM. This move represents a notable jump compared to the 8GB of memory found in current budget models running on A19 processors, including the recently launched iPhone 17e at an economical price.
This unique upgrade to 9GB capacity will be achieved by using six 1.5GB memory dies. The primary goal here is not just numbers on paper, but keeping the phone’s hardware running ultra-smoothly under the weight of the heavy AI tasks planned for iOS 27. These reports also align with previous indicators that Apple plans to move the launch of standard iPhone 18 models to the spring of 2027, where the base model will rely on the standard A20 processor.
Flagship phones and the foldable iPhone
Conversely, there will be no changes to the memory configurations for the flagship and premium devices arriving later in the fall of the same year. Ming-Chi Kuo explains that the three high-end models scheduled for release in the second half of 2026 will maintain 12GB of RAM. This lineup, which will run on the powerful A20 Pro processor, includes the two iPhone 18 Pro models in addition to Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which will use eight 1.5GB memory dies to reach a total capacity of 12GB.
This strategy indicates Apple’s desire to create a clear performance gap between the base and professional models, while ensuring the requirements for complex on-device data processing are met without full reliance on the cloud, especially in phones with large and foldable screens that require ultra-powerful multitasking capabilities.
The upcoming hardware revolution: From Mac processors to touchscreens
The focus on AI is not limited to iPhones, but extends to Apple’s ambitious plans for all its devices. Recent reports confirm that Apple intends to bypass high-end M6 processors entirely and accelerate the transition to the M7 processor family, which focuses entirely on AI technologies, reflecting how serious the company is about leading this field.
In another historic hardware move, reports indicate that the first MacBook Pro to support a touchscreen from Apple will rely on the super-powered M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. This technical shift highlights how Apple is reshaping the user experience by integrating the best of different operating systems to provide unprecedented flexibility for professionals and creators.
Software ecosystem: Accelerated AI evolution
In parallel with hardware leaps, Apple is focusing heavily on empowering developers. The company recently released the Xcode 26.6 update, which integrates the Google Gemini AI programming assistant, giving developers powerful tools to craft next-generation AI-based applications with higher efficiency and speed.
Outside of Apple’s walls, the tech race is heating up like never before; OpenAI has unveiled its latest GPT-5.6 models (in Sol, Terra, and Luna versions) in limited previews. These advanced models set new standards for generative AI capabilities and clearly explain why our upcoming phones need larger RAM capacities to be able to run these models or interact with them smoothly and instantly.
Smart buying timing and taking advantage of offers
With Apple moving to raise prices on some of its products recently, digital offers and discounts remain the best refuge for smart users. Interestingly, some current Amazon deals have not yet caught up with the recent price hikes imposed by Apple, representing a golden window to buy current devices at excellent prices before they are adjusted.
Furthermore, events like Amazon Prime Day 2026 offer huge, direct discounts on a wide range of Apple devices and accessories, in addition to popular Beats products.
Whether you plan to wait for the next big technical leap with the iPhone 18 with 9GB of memory in 2027, or you prefer to get a great phone now and take advantage of the final hours of these excellent deals, understanding the technical roadmap always helps you make the right decision at the right time.
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