55%
Plausible
Apple has wrapped up its WWDC 2026 keynote, with one of the event’s highlights being the introduction of the company’s most advanced on-device AI model that’s only capable of running on devices with top-tier specifications. Looking at these features, a new rumor is now doing the rounds, hinting that the iPhone 18 will become even more popular than the iPhone 17 due to one major specifications difference separating the two devices.
Looking at Apple’s high memory requirements to take advantage of its most capable on-device AI model, the base iPhone 18 could feature 12GB RAM
The majority of iOS 27’s AI features will run on iPhones with 8GB of RAM, but to take advantage of the entire suite, owning top-end models like the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be mandatory. The base iPhone 17 only comes with 8GB of memory, and as mentioned above, it can run some features, but additions like “expressive voices” and “advanced dictation” won’t be compatible.
On Weibo, after trying iOS 27, Digital Chat Station believes the standard iPhone 18 will also come with 12GB of RAM, opening a ton of doors for consumers who want to try Apple’s most advanced AI model. The memory upgrade won’t just be necessary for obtaining access to the aforementioned features, but multitasking will become a breeze, not to mention being able to experience AAA games more fluidly.
These advantages should make the iPhone 18 significantly more popular than the iPhone 17, and if Apple can maintain the same competitive $799 starting price while keeping the current model for $699, it’s pretty much game over for the competition. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as it sounds. Just like every other company, Apple isn’t immune to the DRAM shortage, and the reason it’s able to keep its product prices stable is that it purchased a massive batch previously.
Unfortunately, as CEO Tim Cook mentioned during Apple’s last earnings call, its RAM stockpile is slowly running out, meaning that a price hike for the iPhone 18 is almost inevitable. However, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple should absorb these inflated DRAM costs without passing on the premium to customers.
This is because the Cupertino firm is in a unique position as its “Services” division generates sufficient revenue to offset those DRAM cost bumps, giving Apple an opportunity to take control of the market chaos. Then again, it remains to be seen what decision is taken with the iPhone 18, as nothing is set in stone. Also, since this smartphone’s launch isn’t expected until early next year, Apple could change its mind at the drop of a hat.
News Source: Digital Chat Station
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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