.jpg?w=1024)
A small memory upgrade may not be enough to unlock Apple's most advanced AI tools.
Apple's standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to receive more memory than their predecessors. Still, a new report suggests that won't be enough to access every Apple Intelligence feature arriving with iOS 27. According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's lower-end iPhones launching in the first half of 2027 will increase RAM from 8GB to 9GB and use the A20 chip.
Kuo said the extra memory is intended "to keep the system running smoothly under AI workloads."
Meanwhile, Apple's premium devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro models and the company's rumored foldable iPhone powered by the A20 Pro chip are expected to remain at 12GB of RAM.
Two AI features could remain Pro-only
Despite the RAM increase, reports from MacRumors say the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are still expected to miss two new Apple Intelligence capabilities planned for iOS 27.
Those features include more expressive Siri voices with adjustable speaking style and improved on-device speech-to-text dictation that delivers higher transcription accuracy. The reports say both rely on Apple's latest on-device Apple Foundation Models (AFM) Core Advanced model, which currently requires at least 12GB of RAM.
If that hardware requirement remains unchanged, only devices with 12GB of memory, including the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and Apple's foldable model, would be able to run those features locally.
Apple's AI strategy is becoming more hardware-dependent
Kuo's supply chain findings suggest Apple is increasing RAM across its lineup as Apple Intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into iOS. He wrote that "iOS 27 will bring tighter system-level integration with Apple Intelligence," making additional memory increasingly important even for standard iPhones.
The move also reflects how Apple's AI features are becoming more dependent on hardware specifications rather than software updates alone. While many Apple Intelligence features are expected to remain available on supported devices, the most demanding AI models appear to require substantially more onboard memory.
Why this matters
For consumers, the distinction could make choosing between standard and Pro iPhones more about AI capabilities than camera upgrades or display features.
A 9GB RAM configuration should still improve multitasking and help standard models handle everyday Apple Intelligence features more smoothly. However, buyers expecting access to every new Siri capability may need to consider the higher-end models if the reported 12GB requirement remains in place.
The reports also arrive as memory costs remain elevated across the industry. Rising DRAM prices and supply constraints are influencing Apple's hardware decisions, potentially making it harder to equip lower-priced devices with sufficient memory for the company's most advanced on-device AI features.
AI could become Apple's biggest reason to buy a Pro iPhone
Apple has traditionally separated its iPhone lineup through cameras, displays, and premium materials. If these reports prove accurate, artificial intelligence may become an equally important dividing line.
That strategy carries tradeoffs. Reserving the most capable AI experiences for higher-memory devices could encourage upgrades to premium models while helping Apple manage rising component costs. At the same time, it risks frustrating buyers who expect new iPhones, regardless of price tier, to receive the same advanced AI features.
Related reading: Want to know if you're eligible for Apple's $250 million Siri AI settlement? Here's who qualifies and how to claim your payment.