iPhone 18 Gets 9GB RAM, But Apple Keeps Two AI Features for 12GB Models

Apple’s lower-end iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will reportedly get 9GB of RAM, which marks a small upgrade over the 8GB RAM used in the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e. However, that extra memory still will not unlock every new Apple Intelligence feature, as two upcoming iOS 27 AI tools reportedly need at least 12GB of RAM to work on-device. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will use 9GB of RAM in the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e to help Apple Intelligence run smoothly on both devices. The Pro models, along with the rumored foldable iPhone Ultra, will reportedly stay at 12GB of RAM, which gives them access to Apple’s more advanced on-device AI model. iPhone 18 RAM Details Here are the reported RAM amounts for the iPhone 18 lineup: iPhone 18e: 9GB iPhone 18: 9GB iPhone 18 Pro: 12GB iPhone 18 Pro Max: 12GB iPhone Ultra: 12GB Second-generation iPhone Air: likely 12GB Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra in September this year, while the regular iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-generation iPhone Air are expected around March 2027. Two iOS 27 AI Features Need 12GB RAM Even with 9GB of RAM, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e reportedly will not support two new Apple Intelligence features coming with iOS 27. These include deeper Siri voice customization, where users can adjust expressiveness and speaking pace, and a major accuracy upgrade for speech-to-text dictation. The reason comes down to memory. Apple’s advanced on-device AI model for these features reportedly needs at least 12GB of RAM, which keeps them limited to higher-end models. RAM and NAND storage prices have also increased because of supply shortages, and analysts believe the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could cost $100 to $200 more than the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e. For now, Apple has avoided iPhone price hikes, but higher component costs continue to put pressure on future models.