Overview
- Supply‑chain analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo reported in late June that standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models may ship with 9GB of RAM instead of 8GB, a claim repeated by multiple outlets.
- Kuo's report specifies a 1.5GB die layout with six dies for 9GB on A20 standard chips and eight dies for 12GB on A20 Pro chips for premium models.
- The memory change is tied to iOS 27's expanded Apple Intelligence and on‑device AI, with some advanced AI models and Siri capabilities said to require 12GB of RAM.
- Coverage says Apple may stagger the rollout, keeping A20 Pro‑powered iPhone 18 Pro models and the foldable on track for late‑2026 while pushing standard A20 iPhone 18 models to spring or the first half of 2027.
- Apple has not confirmed these specifications, so the reports remain unverified and could affect which AI features ship on lower‑end phones as well as manufacturing cost and pricing.