Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 lineup may finally address RAM limitations that have constrained AI features on budget models. According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will pack 9GB of RAM when they launch in spring 2027, representing a 1GB increase over their predecessors.

The RAM upgrade stems from Apple's new A20 processor, which uses 1.5GB x 6 dies compared to the A19's 2GB x 4 dies configuration. Kuo projects the iPhone 18 Pro models will maintain 12GB of RAM through 1.5GB x 8 dies. This additional memory aims to keep systems running smoothly under AI workloads, particularly with Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 27.

Apple introduced iOS 27 at WWDC with Siri AI and new machine learning capabilities that work on 8GB devices. However, on-device AI models remain exclusive to 12GB RAM phones like the iPhone 17 Pro series and iPhone Air. The company hasn't clarified whether 9GB would unlock these advanced features for the standard iPhone 18.

While the RAM bump seems incremental, it signals Apple's recognition that AI performance matters across its entire lineup, not just premium models. Whether the extra gigabyte meaningfully bridges the gap to Pro-level AI capabilities remains uncertain.