In 2026, Apple will reportedly adopt a new split-launch strategy for the iPhone 18 series. The Pro models will debut later this year, while the standard iPhone 18 moves to early 2027, alongside the low-cost iPhone 18e. Recent leaks surrounding the iPhone 18 haven’t been very encouraging. They suggest something of a spec downgrade. However, a new leak brings some good news, as it claims the iPhone 18 will get a Pro-grade upgrade in the form of 12GB RAM.
New leak points to 12GB RAM upgrade for the standard iPhone 18
Analyst Dan Nystedt, who previously reported on Apple’s A20 chip and its 2nm process, has now added a new detail about the A20. He says it will have 12GB of RAM. This isn’t the first time we’re hearing of this upgrade. Last fall, 12GB RAM was rumored for the iPhone 18, but it didn’t seem certain. Now with Nystedt’s report, it seems likely.
If this pans out, the upgrade will represent a 50% RAM increase over the iPhone 17, which has 8GB of RAM. For context, Apple made a similar move for its Pro models last year, upgrading from 8GB RAM in iPhone 16 Pro to 12GB in iPhone 17 Pro.
Pro models for a full flagship experience
Considering the growing importance of AI tasks, this upgrade for the base model isn’t very surprising. In fact, it’s about time Apple bumps the RAM so they won’t miss out on any features in the future. While that’s a positive upgrade, recent leaks and reports haven’t been very encouraging for the standard iPhone 18. A recent leak from tipster Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo said that the base iPhone 18 could be a downgrade. The iPhone 18 could use a different manufacturing process and chip specifications.
This would bring it more in line with the iPhone 18e rather than the iPhone 18 Pro. This is apparently a part of Apple’s strategy to cut costs. Considering the ongoing memory crisis, RAM costs are skyrocketing. Rather than raising the prices, Apple seems to be opting to lower specs, while committing to unchanged pricing. At this stage, it seems that if you want a full flagship experience, iPhone 18 Pro seems to be the way to go.
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