Apple is not planning a RAM increase for its next Pro iPhones, but that may be the point.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will continue to ship with 12GB of RAM, matching the configuration introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. This signals that Apple is comfortable with its current memory ceiling as it prepares a broader push into on-device AI.
Importantly, this RAM configuration applies only to the Pro models. The standard iPhone 18 is expected to launch later, likely in spring 2027, and is not currently rumored to receive 12GB of memory. However, in his note, Pu also mentioned the iPhone Fold to feature 12GB of RAM.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold Memory in Context
Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max along with the iPhone Fold are expected to use:
- 12GB LPDDR5 RAM
- A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process
- Custom N2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. Apple debuted the N1 with the iPhone 17 lineup
- WMCM packaging for improved efficiency
Rather than increasing memory capacity, Apple appears focused on improving how that memory is used, pairing the same RAM size with faster silicon and more advanced on-device processing.
Related: iPhone 18 Display Sizes and Dynamic Island Changes Leak Ahead of Launch
Comparison With the iPhone 17 Lineup
Current expectations align as follows:
- iPhone 17 Pro: 12GB RAM
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 12GB RAM
- iPhone 17: lower RAM tier (8GB)
- iPhone 18 Pro: 12GB RAM
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: 12GB RAM
- iPhone Fold: 12GB RAM
This creates continuity across Pro generations, while maintaining a clear separation from non-Pro models.
Why Apple is Holding Steady At 12GB
Holding the line at 12GB for 2026 suggests Apple believes this memory tier is sufficient for its next wave of features, including:
- More capable on-device AI workloads
- Expanded Siri functionality expected in 2026
- Improved multitasking stability under sustained load
Instead of pushing RAM higher, Apple is leaning on architectural gains from N2 silicon and software-level optimization to deliver performance improvements.
What this Means for Buyers
For users deciding between iPhone 17 Pro and waiting for iPhone 18 Pro, memory alone is unlikely to be a deciding factor. The real differentiators will come from:
- A20 Pro performance gains
- Camera system refinements
- Display and enclosure changes
- Apple’s AI feature rollout in iOS
In short, 12GB is becoming Apple’s Pro baseline, not a headline upgrade… well at least for now, and Apple seems confident that it is enough.
