iPhone 18, iPhone 18e to Feature 9GB RAM but Lack Select AI Capabilities: Report
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to feature 9GB RAM, but this upgrade may not support all advanced Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27. According to reports, premium AI capabilities will remain exclusive to 12GB RAM devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro models and the rumoured foldable iPhone Ultra.
Apple’s upcoming standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models are set to receive a memory upgrade to 9GB of RAM, an increase from the 8GB found in their predecessors. However, according to recent supply chain analysis, this boost will not be sufficient to support the full suite of advanced AI features arriving with the iOS 27 update.
As per a report by MacRumors, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that two specific Apple Intelligence capabilities, customisable Siri voice expressiveness and enhanced speech to text accuracy, will remain exclusive to devices equipped with 12GB of RAM. The high end iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the anticipated foldable iPhone Ultra are expected to meet this requirement, maintaining the same 12GB configuration as the current Pro series. iPhone 18 Pro Max Leaks: Check Launch Date, Specifications, Features and Price.
Hardware Limitations and Software Features
The decision to restrict these new AI tools highlights the hardware intensive nature of Apple’s latest on device models. The advanced speech processing and voice customisation features require a minimum of 12GB of RAM to function effectively. Consequently, while the 1GB increase for the standard iPhone 18 models will ensure general performance stability, it falls short of the threshold needed for the most advanced generative AI functions.
The release schedule for the new hardware is split across two windows. Apple is expected to launch the Pro models and the foldable Ultra in September 2026, followed by the standard iPhone 18, 18e, and the second generation iPhone Air in March 2027.
Market Impact and Pricing Concerns
The memory upgrade comes amid a broader climate of rising component costs. Global shortages in RAM and NAND storage have already forced Apple to increase prices across various product categories earlier this year. iPhone 17 Pro Max Price Drops to All-Time Low in Flipkart GOAT Sale.
Market analysts have suggested that the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may see a retail price increase of 100 USD to 200 USD compared to the iPhone 17 series. As the discrepancy between standard and professional tier hardware continues to widen, particularly regarding AI support, consumers may face a difficult choice between the base model affordability and the full suite of Apple Intelligence features reserved for the premium lineup.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 06:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).