TL; DR
- A new rumor claims the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will feature 9GB of RAM instead of the previously rumored 12GB.
- Apple is reportedly planning to use 1.5GB LPDDR6X memory dies for both devices.
- The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to launch in Spring 2027, while the Pro models will arrive this September.
A new rumor suggests that Apple may have revised its memory plans for the upcoming iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. While earlier reports claimed that the entire iPhone 18 lineup would move to 12GB RAM, the latest information indicates that the two lower-end models could instead ship with 9GB of RAM.
Yes, you read that right: 9GB RAM. It does sound a bit odd. Smartphone RAM capacities usually jump in multiples of 2GB, so a 9GB configuration isn’t something we see very often. If the rumor turns out to be accurate, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e would be among the first mainstream smartphones to adopt such a configuration.
According to the leak, Apple plans to achieve this using 1.5GB LPDDR6X memory dies. Even with the reduction from the previously rumored 12GB, this would still be an upgrade over the current generation (a small upgrade nonetheless).
The additional memory is expected to help with Apple’s growing suite of on-device AI features. More AI features are expected to arrive with future iOS updates, which is likely why Apple is increasing the RAM capacity on the standard models.
There’s also the cost factor. Memory prices have risen sharply over the past year as AI data centers continue to consume massive amounts of DRAM and NAND. In fact, memory has now become one of the most expensive components inside a smartphone, often costing manufacturers more than the display and, in some cases, even the chipset.
ALSO READ: More Apple Price Increases Could Be on the Way as Company Hints at Further Hikes
Apple is expected to split the launch of the iPhone 18 lineup into two phases. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the rumored iPhone Ultra (fold) are expected to launch in September 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are tipped to arrive in Spring 2027. The rumored iPhone Air 2 could also make its debut alongside the iPhone 18 and 18e.
Apple’s plans could still change before the devices enter mass production, but for now, it looks like the standard iPhone 18 models may settle for an unusual, yet slightly higher, 9GB RAM configuration instead of making the jump to 12GB.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
