Apple is reportedly gearing up to equip the standard model of the next-gen iPhone. The iPhone 18, with 12 GB of unified memory. A move that would align it with its Pro sibling models. Current reports suggest the standard iPhone 17 is capped at 8 GB, while the iPhone 17 Pro already offers 12 GB.
Apple growing focus on local AI and machine-learning features drives this change. Demanding more memory bandwidth and capacity than typical smartphone use-cases. The memory part stems from the type of DRAM Apple is pushing; LPDDR5X chips, which are largely available in 12 GB or 16 GB configurations. That makes an 8 GB standard model increasingly unlikely.
Increasing RAM from 8 GB to 12 GB lets the standard model handle heavier multitasking and keep more apps in memory without frequent reloads. It also positions the base model to support more advanced on-device features such as the forthcoming Apple Intelligence toolkit. That said, for many users the real-world difference might be subtle. App performance and responsiveness may improve, but battery and usability may not see dramatic jumps. From a timing perspective, the upgrade may coincide with a shift in launch strategy. Reports indicate that Apple plans a staggered rollout; the Pro and Air models. May debut in fall 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 (and possibly a budget iPhone 18e) following in spring-2027.
For buyers in India and elsewhere, this upgrade means the standard iPhone 18 could become a stronger value proposition, narrowing the spec gap between base and Pro models. If Apple keeps pricing stable, users stand to gain more headroom for future apps and OS upgrades. On the flip side, this may signal rising production costs, so watch for price adjustments. As usual with leaks, details like final specs and launch timing could shift.
