This upgrade would bring the base model in line with premium variants like the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air, which already boast 12GB of RAM.

While the high-end iPhone 17 models have received praise for their performance and multitasking capabilities, the standard iPhone 17 has been criticized for its limited memory, which trails behind Android flagships in the same segment.

This has made the device less appealing for power users seeking strong multitasking or demanding app performance.

According to The Bell, Apple has asked Samsung Electronics to increase production of LPDDR5X memory chips - the high-speed RAM expected to power the iPhone 18 lineup.

Interestingly, Samsung currently manufactures LPDDR5X chips only in 12GB and 16GB variants.

This means that if Apple intends to use Samsung’s LPDDR5X, it would almost be required to raise the RAM in its standard model to at least 12GB.

Therefore, this shift may not stem solely from Apple’s performance roadmap but also from limitations in the supply chain.

Apple, known for its cost-optimization strategies, may have no choice but to standardize RAM capacity across more models to benefit from Samsung’s large-scale production, instead of continuing to source custom 8GB modules for the base version.

The Bell also reports that Apple is in discussions with SK Hynix and Micron, two additional memory chip manufacturers, to diversify RAM supply for the iPhone 18 series.

This broader collaboration aims to serve two goals: ensuring a stable supply amid growing demand and allowing Apple greater flexibility in RAM configurations across different models.

Analysts believe Apple could use lower-capacity LPDDR5X chips from SK Hynix or Micron - maintaining speed but lowering memory size - for the base models.

Meanwhile, Samsung would continue supplying 12GB and 16GB chips for the Pro and Air variants, reinforcing performance segmentation across the product lineup.

Beyond the RAM increase, the memory architecture of the iPhone 18 is also expected to improve.

According to an April leak, the iPhone 18 will use a 6-channel LPDDR5X configuration, up from the 4-channel system currently in use.

This enhancement would significantly boost memory bandwidth, thereby improving multitasking performance and graphics handling.

A major leap for Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone

Combined with the upcoming A20 or A20 Pro chip - expected to be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process - the iPhone 18 could become one of the fastest smartphones in the world upon release.

If this report proves accurate, the decision to upgrade RAM to 12GB may not have been part of Apple’s original strategy but a consequence of shifting supply dynamics.

Nonetheless, this change will bring major benefits for users.

A 12GB RAM upgrade will allow the iPhone 18 to handle demanding apps more efficiently, maintain consistent performance over time, and deliver a smoother experience with iOS 20’s integrated AI features, which require high memory capacity to operate seamlessly.

With Android flagships from Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi already offering 12GB to 16GB RAM as standard, Apple’s move is considered necessary to remain competitive.

If all goes as expected, the entire iPhone 18 series launching in 2026 - including the iPhone 18, second-generation iPhone Air, and iPhone 18 Pro - will be equipped with at least 12GB of RAM, standardizing performance across Apple’s ecosystem.

Hai Phong