The base iPhone 18 is rumored to get 12 GB of RAM, the same as the iPhone 17 Pro. The increase is directly related to the new Siri and Apple’s artificial intelligence features: they need more memory to run directly on the smartphone. This is still an analyst forecast, not an official Apple announcement. And what’s especially interesting is this: against the backdrop of rumors that Apple may cut costs on the iPhone 18 at the expense of specs, the extra gigabytes sound like rare good news.
There will be more RAM
iPhone 18 with 12 GB RAM: What the Leaks Say
Let’s clarify right away what kind of memory we’re talking about. This is RAM — the memory responsible for running apps simultaneously and handling background tasks, not storage for photos and files. Currently, the iPhone 17 has 8 GB of RAM, while the base iPhone 18 is forecast to get 12 GB.
iPhone 18 will get 12 GB of RAM for Siri’s artificial intelligence
According to analysts at KB Securities, cited by DigiTimes, the increase will be 50%, from 8 to 12 GB. This way, the base model would match the iPhone 17 Pro in memory capacity. But this is still a rumor and supplier forecast — Apple has officially confirmed nothing.
The forecast isn’t new: talk of a possible RAM increase for the base iPhone 18 has been circulating since spring. The fact that the rumor is surfacing from different sources adds weight to it, but it still doesn’t count as confirmation.
Why Apple Is Increasing RAM in the iPhone 18
The main reason isn’t abstract “performance” but specific Apple artificial intelligence features. At the Apple Intelligence presentation at WWDC, the company explained that AI models running directly on the device are divided into power tiers.
The most powerful version, according to Apple, is available on the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, both of which have exactly 12 GB of RAM. The same logic applies to other devices: advanced AI requires 12 GB of memory or more — on iPad tablets with the M4 chip and newer, as well as on Mac computers with the M3 chip.
All Siri AI features need at least 12 GB
The logic here is simple. If Apple wants to sell the iPhone 18 as a phone with access to the best artificial intelligence features, it needs to give it the same 12 GB. Otherwise, the most mass-market iPhone would be left without the main showcase of new capabilities.
When Will the iPhone 18 Launch and Will It Cost More
Don’t expect iPhone 18 before spring 2027
There’s a nuance here for those planning a purchase. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected in the fall, while the base iPhone 18 will come later — forecast for spring 2027. That means several months will pass between the announcement of the higher-end and base models. If you need an affordable iPhone with new memory and a full set of AI features, you’ll have to wait longer than usual.
There’s also a logical question about the price: memory is getting more expensive right now, so will that be passed on to the buyer? According to the report, Apple has been discussing with suppliers an increase in memory production for the iPhone lineup. And amid the current shortage, the company will reportedly absorb the costs itself rather than baking them into the price. That’s good news, but it’s better to be cautious with conclusions: only Apple will announce final prices at its presentation.
Who Actually Needs 12 GB of RAM in an iPhone
In short, more memory in the base iPhone is a real advantage, not just a marketing number. Extra RAM helps keep apps in the background longer and handle heavy tasks like on-device AI without stuttering.
iOS 27 will fully unlock only on smartphones with 12 GB of RAM
But a caveat is necessary. On their own, 12 GB won’t make the phone noticeably faster in everyday tasks: messaging, camera, social media. The real benefit will be felt by those who actively use the new Siri and artificial intelligence features.
If you’re eyeing an affordable iPhone and want the full set of AI features, there’s reason to wait for the iPhone 18 — but you’ll have to wait until spring 2027. For those who need an iPhone sooner, it makes more sense to look at the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone Air: they already have the same 12 GB of RAM right now.
And current owners of recent models have no reason to worry. This is still a rumor and supplier forecast, not a confirmed specification. Wait for Apple’s official announcement — then the exact amount of memory, the price, and the real-world usefulness of the new Siri will all become clear.
