Apple’s next-generation standard iPhone models could receive a memory upgrade aimed at improving artificial intelligence performance, according to a new report by noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The analyst claims the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, expected to launch in the first half of 2027, will feature Apple’s A20 chip paired with 9GB of RAM. The move is said to support deeper integration of Apple Intelligence features as AI capabilities become a larger part of the iPhone experience.

Memory Upgrade Expected For Standard Models

In a post on X, Kuo said Apple’s lower-end iPhones scheduled for release in the first half of 2027 will move to a new 9GB DRAM configuration.

According to the analyst, the devices will adopt a 1.5GB × 6-die memory setup, replacing the current 8GB configuration used in A19-powered models, which rely on a 2GB × 4-die arrangement.

“iOS 27 will bring tighter system-level integration with Apple Intelligence,” Kuo wrote.

“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.”

While the increase may appear relatively modest, analysts believe additional memory could help improve multitasking and on-device AI performance.

Pro Models Expected To Retain 12GB RAM

Kuo also suggested that Apple’s premium iPhone lineup launching later in 2026 will continue to feature 12GB of RAM.

The devices expected to retain that memory configuration include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

These models are reportedly set to use the more powerful A20 Pro chip and will continue with a 1.5GB × 8-die memory configuration.

“The three new high-end 2H26 models powered by the A20 Pro chip (the foldable and two iPhone 18 Pro models) will remain unchanged at 12GB (1.5GB × 8 dies),” Kuo said.

As a result, the RAM gap between Apple’s standard and premium iPhone models is expected to remain in place.

Apple Intelligence Driving Hardware Changes

The reported memory upgrade comes as Apple prepares to expand the role of Apple Intelligence across its ecosystem.

At the recent Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2026, Apple unveiled iOS 27, which places greater emphasis on system-wide AI integration.

The update introduces new Apple Intelligence features, including the next generation of Siri, with a stronger focus on on-device processing and AI-assisted functionality.

More available memory could help standard iPhone models manage these tasks more efficiently while reducing performance slowdowns during demanding workloads.

Questions Remain Over Advanced AI Features

Despite the reported increase, it remains unclear whether 9GB of RAM will be sufficient to support Apple’s most advanced AI tools.

Reports suggest that many Apple Intelligence features currently function on devices equipped with 8GB of memory, provided they are compatible with iOS 27.

However, some advanced on-device AI models are believed to require 12GB of RAM, leading to speculation that Apple may continue reserving certain premium AI capabilities for higher-end devices.

Industry reports have also indicated that some Siri features available in the iOS 27 beta are currently limited to Pro-level iPhones equipped with 12GB of RAM.

If those reports prove accurate, Apple’s standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may receive improved AI performance through the additional memory, while the most advanced Apple Intelligence features could remain exclusive to the company’s premium models.

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