Apple may be giving its next-generation entry-level iPhones a modest but meaningful memory upgrade. A new report from respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the upcoming iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will feature an unusual 9GB RAM configuration, potentially improving the performance of Apple Intelligence.
According to Kuo, both the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to launch next spring. Instead of using a conventional memory setup, Apple is reportedly opting for six 1.5GB memory dies, resulting in a total of 9GB of RAM.
The configuration stands out because it’s different from the rumored iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e, which are expected to use four 2GB memory dies. While the jump from 8GB to 9GB may seem minor, it still represents an increase that could benefit Apple’s growing suite of AI-powered features.
The additional 1GB of RAM is reportedly intended to help Apple Intelligence run more smoothly, allowing on-device AI tasks to perform better without requiring a major hardware overhaul.
The report also outlines the memory plans for Apple’s premium lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the rumored iPhone Ultra are all said to receive 12GB of RAM, achieved through eight 1.5GB memory dies.
On the chipset side, Kuo claims the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will be powered by Apple’s upcoming A20 processor. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra are expected to feature the more powerful A20 Pro chipset.
As always, these details remain based on early supply chain information and have yet to be confirmed by Apple. If the report proves accurate, however, even Apple’s non-Pro iPhones could receive a welcome boost in memory to better support the company’s expanding AI ecosystem.