Apple’s entry-level iPhone lineup is getting a modest but meaningful memory boost for better AI performance, according to a new report from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a post shared on Friday, Kuo reveals that the lower-end 2027 iPhone 18 models — expected to include the standard iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e — will ship with 9GB of DRAM. This is an increase from the 8GB found in the current iPhone 17 base models.
The upgrade comes via Apple’s upcoming A20 chip, which will use a 1.5GB x 6 dies configuration for the total of 9GB memory (compared to 2GB x 4 dies in the prior generation). This design choice appears tailored for efficiency and cost while still delivering improved capabilities.
iOS 27 will bring tighter system-level integration with Apple Intelligence. My latest industry checks suggest Apple’s lower-end 1H27 iPhones, powered by the A20 chip, will move to 9GB DRAM (1.5GB × 6 dies), up from 8GB (2GB × 4 dies) in the current A19 models, to keep the system running smoothly under AI workloads. The three new high-end 2H26 models powered by the A20 Pro chip (the foldable and two 18 Pro models) will remain unchanged at 12GB (1.5GB × 8 dies).
For context, the higher-end iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the anticipated foldable iPhone (slated for a fall 2026 release) are expected to retain or match the 12GB memory (1.5GB x 8 dies) configuration seen in today’s Pro models.
Why the RAM Bump Matters
Apple is clearly prioritizing Apple Intelligence features and on-device AI workloads. The extra gigabyte of memory will help ensure these lower-cost models can fully support the expanding suite of AI capabilities planned for iOS 27 and beyond, including more advanced Siri features.
This update comes amid some conflicting earlier rumors that suggested the base iPhone 18 might jump straight to 12GB memory. Kuo’s latest information provides a more tempered outlook for the non-Pro variants.
Pricing and Timing Outlook
The iPhone 18 and 18e are rumored to arrive in March or April 2027, breaking from Apple’s traditional September cycle for the full lineup. Apple has already raised prices on Macs and iPads recently, so analysts expect potential price increases for the iPhone 18 series as well — especially as component costs rise.
What This Means for Buyers
• If you’re holding off for more memory on a budget iPhone, the 2027 models should feel noticeably snappier with AI tasks than the iPhone 17 series.
• Pro users will still get the premium 12GB experience earlier in the fall 2026 cycle.
• Expect the usual iterative design refreshes, camera tweaks, and A-series performance gains alongside this memory upgrade.
MacDailyNews Take: This rumor aligns with Apple’s broader push to make AI features accessible across more devices without compromising the Pro tier’s advantages. Stay tuned as more details emerge closer to launch — 2027 is shaping up to be an interesting year for iPhone buyers.
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