Apple to Boost Base iPhone RAM to 12 GB in 2027
Apple plans to upgrade the base model of the iPhone 18 to 12 GB of RAM, a 50 percent increase from the 8 GB found in the current iPhone 17. According to reporting from DigiTimes, this hardware shift aims to support advanced artificial intelligence features while maintaining current entry-level pricing. While the iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra models are expected to debut in September 2027, the standard iPhone 18 release is reportedly delayed until the spring of that year.
Why Is Apple Increasing RAM for the iPhone 18?
The move to 12 GB of RAM is primarily driven by the hardware requirements of Apple’s AI models. Currently, the iPhone 17 is limited to 8 GB of RAM, which restricts the device from running the more intensive, natural language processing features found in the revamped Siri assistant. By increasing the memory capacity, Apple intends to bridge the gap between its base and Pro-tier devices. DigiTimes notes that this upgrade aligns with industry trends where on-device AI requires significant DRAM overhead to function effectively without relying solely on cloud-based processing.
The current iPhone 17 base model, which retails for $747 on Amazon, lacks the 12 GB of RAM necessary to run the most advanced iterations of Apple’s AI, a limitation that is expected to be corrected in the next generation.
Will the Price of the Base iPhone Increase?
Despite rising costs for DRAM and NAND memory, Apple is not expected to raise the price of the base iPhone 18. Market analysis suggests the company will absorb the increased production expenses to keep the device competitive. If these projections hold, the 256 GB version of the iPhone 18 will launch at $799 in the U.S. and €949 in Europe. This strategy contrasts with previous years where hardware upgrades often led to incremental price hikes for consumers.
How Does the Release Schedule Change?
Apple is shifting its product release cadence for the 2027 cycle. While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models will likely follow the traditional September launch window, the base iPhone 18 is not expected until the spring of 2027. This staggered release means that consumers seeking the latest AI-ready features at the entry-level price point will have to wait longer than they would for the higher-end flagship models.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the base iPhone 18 support all AI features? Yes, by upgrading to 12 GB of RAM, the base model is expected to support the same AI-driven language models as the Pro series.
- When is the iPhone 18 expected to launch? The base model is currently projected for a spring 2027 release, while Pro models are expected in September.
- Is the price of the iPhone 18 going up? No, reports indicate Apple intends to maintain the $799 price point despite the hardware costs.
What are your thoughts on the potential spring release for the base iPhone 18? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tech updates.
