Photo credit: X/@MacRumorsApple's next-generation standard iPhones could receive a modest memory upgrade that may improve their ability to handle Apple Intelligence features. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to ship with 9GB of RAM, up from the 8GB reportedly found on the current-generation iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e. While the increase is relatively small, the additional memory is said to be aimed at delivering smoother Apple Intelligence performance on iOS 27. The latest prediction also suggests Apple could introduce a different memory configuration alongside its next-generation A20 chipset, although questions remain about whether the standard models will be able to run the company's most advanced on-device AI model.Key TakeawaysAnalyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could feature 9GB of RAM.The additional memory is expected to improve Apple Intelligence performance on iOS 27.Both phones are tipped to use Apple's A20 chipset, reportedly built on TSMC's 2nm Gate-All-Around process.Apple is also said to be adopting a different 6×1. 5GB memory configuration instead of four 2GB chips.Despite the upgrade, it remains unclear whether the devices will support Apple's most advanced on-device AI model, which currently requires 12GB of unified memory.iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e tipped to receive more RAMAccording to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could arrive with 9GB of DRAM when they launch in the first half of 2027. If accurate, the change would represent a modest increase over the reported 8GB memory configuration used by the current-generation iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e.While a 1GB increase may appear minor on paper, Kuo believes the additional memory could play an important role in improving the overall Apple Intelligence experience on iOS 27. As Apple continues expanding AI-powered features across its ecosystem, memory capacity is becoming increasingly important for running more sophisticated on-device workloads efficiently.The analyst also suggests that both models could be powered by Apple's upcoming A20 processor, which is expected to be manufactured using TSMC's 2nm Gate-All-Around fabrication process. Although Apple has not confirmed the chipset, the reported manufacturing process is expected to deliver improvements in both performance and power efficiency compared to previous generations.Apple may change the memory designAlongside the increase in RAM, Kuo claims Apple could also introduce a different memory architecture for the standard models.Instead of using four 2GB memory chips, as reported for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e, the upcoming iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may feature six 1. 5GB DRAM dies to achieve the total 9GB capacity. While the result is only a slight increase in available memory, the change would represent a different hardware approach for Apple's mainstream iPhones.The report does not explain why Apple could move to this configuration, but it suggests the company is exploring new memory arrangements as AI capabilities become a larger part of the iPhone experience.AI ambitions continue to shape future iPhonesThe reported RAM upgrade comes as Apple continues expanding Apple Intelligence across its devices. Apple recently introduced its most advanced on-device AI model with iOS 27, but the company says it requires at least 12GB of unified memory.At present, the model is supported on devices such as the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, compatible M4-powered iPads with 12GB of memory or more, Macs with M3 or newer chips and at least 12GB of unified memory, and Apple Vision Pro powered by the M5 chip. The standard iPhone 17, which reportedly ships with 8GB of memory, is excluded.If Kuo's prediction proves accurate, the move to 9GB could improve Apple Intelligence performance on the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. However, it remains unclear whether that will be enough to support Apple's most advanced on-device AI model.Pro models expected to retain higher memoryWhile the standard iPhone models are tipped for a relatively small upgrade, Kuo believes Apple's premium lineup will continue offering significantly more memory.According to the analyst, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple's first foldable iPhone—widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra- are all expected to feature 12GB of RAM. These models could also pair the larger memory configuration with the A20 Pro chipset and use eight 1. 5GB memory dies.If that prediction proves accurate, Apple would continue differentiating its Pro devices from the standard lineup not only through cameras and display technology but also through AI-focused hardware capabilities.If accurate, Apple would continue differentiating its Pro models through AI-focused hardware. The additional memory could help reserve the company's most advanced Apple Intelligence experiences for higher-end devices.What the reported launch strategy could meanThe latest RAM prediction also aligns with reports suggesting Apple may be rethinking how it introduces future iPhones. While Apple has not confirmed any changes, reports indicate the company could split its launch schedule by introducing the Pro models in September and reserving the standard iPhone and iPhone "e" models for the first half of the following year.If that strategy materialises, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e would reportedly arrive in early 2027 rather than alongside the Pro lineup. Kuo believes both devices could feature the A20 chip, while the Pro models and the rumoured foldable iPhone could use the more powerful A20 Pro processor.Such a staggered launch could also allow Apple to differentiate the standard and Pro models more clearly, particularly as AI becomes a bigger selling point. Memory, processing power and access to Apple Intelligence features may increasingly become factors that separate the two lineups.A small hardware change with bigger AI implicationsAlthough moving from 8GB to 9GB of RAM may seem like a modest upgrade, memory is becoming increasingly important as Apple expands on-device AI capabilities. Larger language models and advanced AI features require more system resources, making RAM just as critical as processing power.For now, however, these specifications remain part of the rumour cycle. Apple has not confirmed the iPhone 18 lineup, its memory configuration or launch plans. Whether the reported upgrade ultimately arrives - and whether it is enough to unlock Apple's most advanced AI features - will only become clear when the company officially unveils the devices.Frequently Asked Questions1. How much RAM is the iPhone 18 expected to have?According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could feature 9GB of RAM, an increase from the reported 8GB on the current-generation models.2. Why is Apple reportedly increasing the RAM on the iPhone 18?The additional memory is expected to improve Apple Intelligence performance on iOS 27, helping future AI-powered features run more smoothly.3. What chipset could power the iPhone 18 series?The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are tipped to use the A20 chip, while the iPhone 18 Pro models and the rumoured foldable iPhone may feature the A20 Pro chipset.4. Will the iPhone 18 support Apple's most advanced on-device AI model?It is currently unclear. Apple says its latest on-device AI model requires at least 12GB of unified memory, while the rumoured iPhone 18 is expected to feature 9GB of RAM.5. What is different about the rumoured memory configuration?Kuo claims Apple could use six 1. 5GB DRAM dies instead of four 2GB chips, resulting in a total of 9GB of RAM for the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e.end of article